Parish council objects to latest Kirby Hill service station plan

Kirby Hill and District Parish Council has objected to the latest plans to build a motorway service station near to the village.

Applegreen Ltd has submitted amended plans for the scheme between junctions 48 and 49 of the A1(M) northbound, between Boroughbridge and Ripon.

It would see a Welcome Break built at the site, as well a filling station and 364 car parking spaces created.

The proposal already has outline permission after the government’s Planning Inspectorate approved the plan on appeal in April 2021.

However, the parish council has objected to the proposal on the grounds that the developer was planning “major changes” to its plan.

It added that there was already a service station planned for Catterick and one on the A168 near Thirsk, which it says “plugs the gap” for a motorway service area.

In its objection, which was sent to North Yorkshire Council by parish council clerk, Martin Rae, the authority also called for the proposal to be considered by a planning committee.

It said:

“It [the parish council] also requests that this resubmitted application is dealt with by the planning authority in full committee at Tier 1 level.

“This is because councillors believe that it cannot be considered in isolation in view of the changed wider context in which services have now been approved at Catterick and greater provision of services now exists on the A168 link to the A19 at Thirsk.”

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Applegreen, which is based in Dublin, applied for amendments to its plan, including an extension to the length of the slip roads and increasing the permissible height of the eastern dumbbell roundabout by up to 1.25 metres.

In documents submitted to the council, the company said the changes were “limited design amendments”.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

The move comes after the government approved plans for the service station following a series of public inquiries and planning battles.

In a saga which has spanned a quarter of a century, Applegreen’s application has been before multiple council planning committees, faced four public inquiries and been turned down twice by the Secretary of State and the High Court.

The inquiry, which was held by planning inspector David Rose and streamed onto YouTube, lasted two weeks and included multiple testimonies from residents, campaigners and developer Applegreen.

In a decision notice, Mr Rose said after considering the evidence that the benefits of a service station would outweigh the harm.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town agrees partnership with Circle Health Group

Harrogate Town has agreed a partnership with the Duchy Hospital.

The agreement will see the hospital, which is part of Circle Health Group, offer medical check-ups, health screening and private GP appointments to first team players.

It will also see specialist clinics available to players before and after EFL League Two fixtures this coming season.

Rachel McGeachie, head of medical and physiotherapy at Harrogate Town FC, said: 

“They offer an invaluable service to the club that provides both peace of mind to the player, their families as well as the club and myself.”

Michelle Eardley, executive director of the Duchy Hospital, said: 

“As a fellow local organisation, we understand how important the club is to the community and we look forward to supporting the players and club staff throughout the season with specialist care across a range of services.”

Harrogate law firm makes new litigation hire

A Harrogate law firm has appointed a new litigation executive.

Truth Legal, which is based on Victoria Avenue, has hired Sarah Doyle to its team.

Sarah joins the firm with 30 years ‘ experience of working within the legal services industry, the majority of which has been within the personal injury sector.

She has acted for claimants involved in road traffic accidents, including 10 years spent acting on behalf of motorcyclists, and has focused on clinical negligence cases for the last three years.

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Former Harrogate Leon site to become Starbucks

The former Leon drive-through restaurant in Harrogate is set to become a Starbucks.

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to change the signage around the Wetherby Road site to Starbucks branding.

Permission has been given for a total of 20 signs, just over half of which would be illuminated, including ‘totem’ signs, menus and directional signs around the drive-through.

Leon, which opened last June, closed its doors on April 2 with the loss of around 20 jobs.

It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.

Currently, the building has been empty for four months and has been stripped of its Leon branding and signage. No date has been given for it reopening as a Starbucks.

The coffee brand has only one existing presence in the Harrogate district, on Cambridge Street in the town centre.

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Following the closure of the fast-food restaurant, speculation mounted over whether a Starbucks would open at the site.

The company initially considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.

Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in 2019 proposed a drive-thru “to be operated by Starbucks Coffee Company” on the site.

However, following planning approval on appeal, EG Group announced a Leon would open instead.

Residents near to the drive-thru raised concern that the scheme was not as advertised in the initial plan.

The Stray Ferret asked the borough council in April 2022 how the company was able to build the scheme as a Leon drive-thru when the original approval for the site showed a Starbucks coffee shop.

At the time, a council spokesperson said:

“Permission was granted by the Planning Inspectorate for a ‘coffee shop to include a drive-thru’, not specifically for a Starbucks.

“The Inspectorate did not add any conditions to the permission they gave restricting the use of the premises solely to a coffee shop, so it can legally be used for any other use within the same use class, which includes a drive thru food and drink establishment.”

LeonThe former Leon restaurant

Business Breakfast: Knaresborough business meeting to give town projects update

A Knaresborough business meeting is set to give an update on a number of projects in the town.

Knaresborough and District Chamber will meet tomorrow (August 2) at The Mitre pub at 7pm.

The meeting will include a chance for networking and new businesses to introduce themselves.

It will also include updates on electric vehicle parking spaces, Feva window competition and the Christmas market.

For more information on how to attend the event, visit the chamber website here.

Harrogate hairdresser shortlisted for regional award

A Harrogate hairdresser has been named as a finalist at a regional awards ceremony.

Joseph Ferraro of Joseph Ferraro Hair has been shortlisted for the North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year title at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards.

The ceremony, which will be held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London in November, aims to celebrate the creative and technical skills of stylists from across the United Kingdom.

Mr Ferraro is one of just six finalists, each shortlisted having submitted four photographic images demonstrating the breadth of his hairdressing expertise.

He said:

“Our industry is full of such talented creatives, so to be shortlisted alongside names I admire so much feels very special.

“I’m incredibly proud of my collection and hope the judges will see the passion and time that has gone into creating it.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate business groups to host summer social

Two Harrogate business groups are to host a summer social to help firms strengthen collaboration together.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and Harrogate Business Improvement District are set to host the event at the Harrogate Inn on August 14.

The meeting will be held from 5.30pm until 8pm and include a networking session and drinks.

The event is open to members of the chamber and BID levy payers only.

For more information and to reserve a place, visit the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce website here.

Harrogate care company among top recommended providers

A Harrogate care company has been recognised as one of the top 20 in the UK at an industry awards.

Carefound Home Care, which has a branch in Harrogate, won the award at the homecare.co.uk awards.

recognised as a Top 20 home care group in the UK.

recognised as a Top 20 home care group in the UK.

The company was among the top 20 most recommended care providers based on reviews at the website.

Reviews were also submitted by friends and relatives of people receiving home care in the UK, with the rankings intended to help people find home care that is right for their needs, location and budget.

Oliver Stirk, managing director of Carefound Home Care, said:

“Homecare.co.uk is the UK’s leading home care reviews site and plays an important role in giving families transparency when seeking support for loved ones.”

“We are enormously proud to have won this award for the second year running at Carefound Home Care.”

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Harrogate coffee shop and bakehouse Brew Bar up for sale

A well-known Harrogate coffee shop has been put up for sale.

Brew Bar Harrogate, located on St Winifred’s Avenue near the Stray, offers a variety of coffees and breakfast foods, baked goods and a small retail shop. It’s a popular cafe for dog walkers and staff from nearby Harrogate Hospital.

The café opened in 2018 and then expanded into the next door unit. The owners have since opened another site in the centre of town called &…Harrogate.

The sale of the business comes as the owners “wish to concentrate their efforts on other business opportunities”, according to the listing agent.

The sale will set the buyer back £74,950 plus stock at valuation.

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The listing, represented by Alan J Picken The Business Transfer Agents, reports a turnover of £219,458 on 2023 accounts, as well as a net profit of around £60,000.

The listing says:

“Currently run on civilised day time hours, however offers immense scope to extend opening hours later into the evening or on weekends to take full advantage of its prime trading position and alcohol license in place, to increase sales and maximise profits.”

Brew Bar declined to comment when contacted by the Stray Ferret.

Long-standing Harrogate sandwich business for sale

A long-standing sandwich takeaway in Harrogate is up for sale.

Wedges & Co has been a mainstay on Cold Bath Road for many years.

But the owners are looking to sell the business and have a “well-deserved retirement”, according to listing agent Alan J Picken

Wedges, which sells hot drinks, breakfasts and cakes as well as hot and cold sandwiches, is on the market as a leasehold business for £149,950 plus stock at valuation.

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Alan J Picken, which is an Ilkley firm that specialises in selling businesses, says the company’s 2022 takings were £268,397 and net profit was “in excess of £100,000”.

The listing says:

“The business currently operates on most convenient opening hours five days a week, however there is scope to extend opening hours particularly Saturday to Sunday to increase sales and maximise profits.

“There is also scope to maximise sales via increasing the outside catering book and large sandwich orders for events/lunches.”

Wedges declined to comment about the sale when contacted by the Stray Ferret.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate firm manufactures 10 millionth energy display device

A Harrogate company has manufactured its 10 millionth in-home display for smart meters.

Chameleon Technology, which is based on Otley Road, has supplied the devices to energy companies since 2012.

The devices connect to a home’s smart meter in order to show how much energy is being used.

The company delivered the 10 millionth in-home display this summer. It has manufactured on average 1.6 million devices a year.

An example of an in-home display manufactured by Chameleon Technology.

An example of an in-home display manufactured by Chameleon Technology.

Mike Woodhall, co-founder and chief executive of Chameleon Technology, said:

“Manufacturing and delivering 10 million IHDs to UK households is a milestone to be proud of.

“Access to real-time energy data is a crucial step to enable low carbon solutions to have maximum impact and provide tangible benefits to all UK households.

“Continued uptake of smart meters, alongside the real-time data provided by IHDs, will help build a flexible, decarbonised and digitalised energy system that will benefit both the environment and consumers through lower energy bills.”

Housing developer acquires new site in Leeds

A Harrogate housing developer has acquired a 223-home site in Leeds.

Casa By Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, will take on the site which is called Abbey Court and is based between Kirkstall and Headingley.

The company acquired the site from Artisan Real Estate and it is set to include 223 family homes.

The site in Leeds which has been acquired by Casa By Moda.

The site in Leeds which has been acquired by Casa By Moda.

The houses will range from one, two and three-bedroom homes.

Matt Townson, director of development and projects at Casa by Moda, said: 

“We’re entering an exciting phase with the delivery of our first neighbourhoods, and as a business headquartered in Yorkshire, Casa, Abbey Court is special for us, as it marks our first neighbourhood that will open in our home region.

“With demand for rental accommodation remaining high, our approach as a long-term owner and operator is to create not only high-quality, sustainable homes, but new communities that go beyond bricks and mortar by actively supporting the wellbeing of our residents.”

James Bulmer, regional director for Leeds-based Artisan Real Estate North, said: 

“The collaboration with Casa by Moda provides a significant opportunity to deliver much needed new homes for rent in one of Leeds’ most desirable suburbs for young professionals and families alike, offering fantastic connectivity to the city centre.”

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Councillors approve gambling arcade in Knaresborough despite addiction concerns

Councillors today approved a new gambling arcade opening on Knaresborough High Street despite hearing how the venue could exacerbate addiction during the cost-of-living crisis.

North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate & Knaresborough planning committee met this afternoon to discuss an application by Carl Bearman of Spectacular Bid Ltd to create an adult gaming centre inside the former Yorkshire Building Society building.

Adult gaming centres or arcades typically involve gambling for cash on machines that can include roulette, bingo or slots. Operators of arcades must have a licence from regulator the Gambling Commission.

Mr Bearman proposed the venue, which could have up to 35 machines, opens between 9am and 10pm for over-18s only.

With residential properties upstairs, he agreed a condition with the council whereby the machines would only operate at 25% their normal volume.

But Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, Paul Haslam, queried what would happen if residents made a noise complaint to the council about the machines.

He said he knew of residents making complaints about barking dogs that had not been resolved by the council in over 18 months. Cllr Haslam said:

“What teeth will [the council] have if these machines are making people’s lives upstairs a misery? How will that be resolved? I’m really concerned about this.”

Harrogate-based Spectacular Bid Ltd was not represented at the meeting but council planning officer Stuart Mills responded to questions from councillors. Mr Mills said the council would be able to enforce against noise if the machines went higher than the agreed volume.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough East, Hannah Gostlow, said she would be voting to refuse the application due to noise and its visual impact on the high street. Cllr Gostlow said:

“What if 25% is not quite enough for them? It would have to go through enforcement and we’ve heard worrying statements about enforcement.”

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Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough West, Matt Walker, was unable to attend the meeting so Cllr Gostlow read out a statement on his behalf.

Cllr Walker, who works in the NHS, referred to statistics by gambling charity GamCare about rising gambling addiction during the cost-of-living crisis.

His statement said:

“Gambling has been part of our culture for centuries and many people are able to gamble without experiencing issues, however this is not the case for all and the harm from gambling has become a serious and worsening public health problem in the UK.

“GamCare said January 2023 was the month with the highest-ever call volume with it regularly hearing how the rising cost-of-living is affecting callers. People are gambling to win extra cash to pay the bills. Vulnerable people have been drawn in to places such as what is proposed here just to keep warm.”

However, despite saying he was “not a great fan” of gaming arcades, Conservative councillor for Boroughbridge and Claro, Robert Windass, said he felt there were no sound planning reasons to refuse the application, which was recommended for approval in an officer report.

This was echoed by Conservative councillor for Oatlands and Pannal, John Mann, who said:

“I think Matt’s comments are very eloquent. I also am concerned about potential for noise however I also hear what report says. 

“I realise noise will be restricted to 25% and that it will be controlled. Having read the report I’m not sure we’ve got sound planning grounds to refuse this, as much as we’d like to. I’ve racked my brains and can’t think of a ground to reject this on.”

Liberal Democrat councillor for Fairfax and Starbeck, Philip Broadbank, then suggested a condition is attached to reduce the hours the arcade closes from 10pm to 9pm, which was voted on and approved by four votes to two.

Councillors Mann, Windass, Haslam and Broadbank voted to approve with councillors Marsh and Gostlow voting against.

Insurance brokers Clegg Gifford open Harrogate office

Insurance brokers Clegg Gifford opened their office in Harrogate yesterday with their superhero mascots in tow.

Clegg Gifford moved into the former Skipton Building Society office on Princes Street and launched with a party, inviting clients and local businesses.

It took just five weeks to get the office, which underwent a full refurbishment, ready for opening.

The move into Harrogate has employed four people so far but the office has the capacity for up to 15.

Toby Clegg, CEO of the Clegg Gifford group, told the Stray Ferret:

“We like to have fun. Insurance is not the most exciting topic but we’re different, we like to bring a bit of fun and put our people at the forefront.

“We find that approach gets a better outcome for our customer and ultimately makes them happier. We have always had a book of business here through our Westminster Insurance so we are building on that good foundation.”

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Scott Markham, branch manager at the new Harrogate office, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic turnout today, it’s just what we’ve been hoping for. It’s a fabulous location and well appointed.

“It’s about creating a really warm welcome, we want to be at the centre of the community as friends and neighbours with our potential clients.”