Developers have lodged plans to build 24 homes in Summerbridge.
Nidderdale Estates Ltd submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council to build the scheme on land at Braisty Wood off the B165.
It would see a mixture of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes built at the site, which is allocated for housing under the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-2035.
The developer said in documents submitted to the council:
“A high quality development is proposed that will sit comfortably within the village and the AONB setting.
“The design and detail will build upon the qualities found within the local vernacular, creating a development with a sense of identity.”
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
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New Tesco supermarket would threaten future of Jennyfields Co-op, warns report
Two of the largest retailers in the country are locked in a battle over the location of a potential new Tesco supermarket in Harrogate.
Last December, Tesco submitted plans to Harrogate Borough Council for its first major supermarket in the town.
The store, off Skipton Road on the site of an old gasworks, would be 38,795 square feet and include a petrol station, 200 car parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points. Tesco says 100 jobs would be created.
Tesco argues the supermarket is needed due to the proliferation of new housing around Skipton Road and towards Killinghall.
However, less than a mile away is the Co-op, which has been attached to Jennyfield Local Centre since 1980. The Co-op claims a new Tesco would lure shoppers and damage takings.
Harrogate Borough Council commissioned consultants Nexus Planning to examine how the new Tesco would impact on the local centre.
This is because key to the Co-op’s argument is a policy in Harrogate Borough Council’s Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which says development must not “lead to a significant adverse impact” of local centres, such as the one in Jennyfields.
Artist impression of how the Tesco will look on Skipton Road.
If it can be successfully argued Tesco would harm the centre it could give the council grounds to refuse the application.
Jennyfield Local Centre was built in the late 1970s to support the growing community on the estate and it includes a small shopping precinct and the Stone Beck pub.
The Nexus report said the new Tesco, and to a much lesser extent the new Lidl on Knaresborough Road, could divert as much as 38% of trade away from the Co-op.
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Tesco consultation results reveal support for new Harrogate store
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The report adds that such an impact on the centre’s anchor tenant would, in turn, threaten the future of the whole local centre.
It said:
“In light of [The Co-op’s] well-below benchmark average turnover, its importance in anchoring the local centre and the potential future loss in turnover should the Tesco food store proceed, we have significant concerns in respect of the future vitality and viability of Jennyfield Local Centre as a result of the proposal.”
Tesco’s response
Tesco consultants, MRRP strongly disputed the claim the Co-op would be at risk of closure from the new supermarket, arguing that it is likely to lose just 5% of its regular trade after residents from new housing developments are taken into account.
It said the Co-op and local facilities in Jennyfields would be boosted by the hundreds of new homes that are set to be built in the area. It added:
“In these circumstances, there is not considered to be any threat of closure in relation to the Co-op, none has been asserted by its consultants, or that there is a real risk of other shop units falling vacant.”
MRRP also disputed Nexus’s claim that the Co-op acts as an anchor tenant for the local centre. It said most people visit only to shop and do not use its other units. Two are currently empty and the other is a charity shop.
On November 22, a letter sent by Louise Ford, Tesco’s town planning manager, to the council said it was “disappointed” the two consultants could not agree on the potential impact of the new store.
Ms Ford pledged that Tesco would open a mini supermarket in Jennyfield Local Centre if the Co-op closed within five years of the new Skipton Road supermarket opening.
She said:
Delayed opening for temporary gym at Ripon leisure centre“If the Co-op does close within five years of the Tesco store opening and remains vacant for more than six months, then Tesco would use reasonable endeavours to open a convenience format store within Jennyfield Local Centre.”
The opening of the proposed £300,000 temporary gym at Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon has been delayed until the New Year.
On July 28, Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) said it had submitted a planning application to install the temporary structure on the car park next to the centre’s main entrance and added that it would open in the autumn at a date to be confirmed.
Today, an HBC spokesperson told the Stray Ferret:
“I’m led to believe the temporary gym will not require planning permission now and we’ll be looking at installing the temporary gym in the new year (date TBC).
“Ahead of opening, we’ll be making all customers/members aware.”
In the meantime, the gym located on the upper floor of the existing 1995 leisure centre where remedial ground stabilisation works are due to take place at a cost of £3.5 million will remain open.
At the time of HBC’s announcement in July, Cllr Stanley Lumley, the council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, and chair of the board of directors at Brimhams Active which runs the centre, said:
“We remain committed to enabling people to enjoy physical activity.
“By providing a temporary gym, while the ground stabilisation works take place, we can minimise the disruption to current and potential customers and ensure they can continue to maintain their health and wellbeing goals.”
The need for ground stabilisation works follows the discovery of a void under part of the existing leisure centre understood to have been present for a number of years.
It was discovered when the reinforced concrete slab for the new swimming pool was cast.
The temporary gym will include equipment currently available in the existing leisure and wellness centre and expert advice and guidance will be provided by members of the Brimhams Active team.
Customers will be able to use the changing and shower facilities in the new pool area – as well as the sauna and steam suite – which opened in March and group exercise classes will also continue to be provided at Hugh Ripley Hall.
Plans have been lodged to create six new flats above the former Orvis store in Harrogate.
The proposal lodged by York-based Balance Planning Solution Ltd on behalf of Andrew Farrar would see the upper floors of the unit on West Park converted for housing.
Orvis closed its doors back in April after 25 years of trading in the town.
The plan would see part of the ground floor unit converted for access to the apartments, along with an entrance to the back of the building next to the Coach House flats on Robert Street.
It would see a mixture of one bedroom and two bedroom apartments created.
The developer said in documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council that the plan would not include any extension of the building.
It said:
“It is considered that the proposed scheme responds to the constraints of the site, planning policy constraints and its heritage context and should fall within the parameters of acceptable development.”
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
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Plan to convert Glasshouses pub into holiday cottage rejected
A plan to convert a former Glasshouses pub into a holiday cottage has been refused.
The Birch Tree, at Lupton Bank, closed its doors back in March 2020 due to the covid pandemic.
In plans lodged to Harrogate Borough Council, Harrogate Architectural Ltd said the site had been marketed extensively without success.
The fresh proposal would have seen the empty public house converted into a two-bedroom holiday cottage.
However, the borough council rejected the plan on the grounds that the loss of the pub was “not justified”.
In a decision notice, the authority said:
“The proposal would result in the loss of the community facility and this loss is not justified, therefore the development is in conflict with policy HP8 and part F of policy EC7 of the Local Plan.
“It has not been demonstrated that reasonable attempts have been made to actively market the land and premises in line with the requirements of policy HP8.”
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The site has already seen three cottages built under a previous planning permission, with the pub reduced in size.
In planning documents for the fresh proposal, the developer said the building had been put on the market without success.
It said:
Developers appeal Lamb and Flag housing plan refusal“These premises have now remained empty since March 2020 when the previous tenant walked away due to the pandemic.
“Since that time two agents have marketed the property including a specialist in selling public houses, for a period of seven months.
“Since that time the applicant has continued his own marketing, all without success.”
Developers have appealed a council decision to refuse plans to build five houses at the Lamb and Flag pub in Bishop Monkton.
The proposal was tabled by Carol and Trevor Pawson for the 200-year-old pub, which also had a bed and breakfast.
Harrogate Borough Council rejected plans for the pub back in May.
Now, the developers have taken the refusal to the government’s Planning Inpsectorate, which deals with planning disputes.
As part of the plan, two houses would be created by converting the pub itself and another would be created at the barn next door.
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A further two homes would be built at the car park at the back of the pub.
However, council officials have refused the application on the grounds that “insufficient marketing” has been done to demonstrate that the pub could not be used for community use.
Officers added in a decision notice that two of the houses on the car park are outside the development limits.
In documents submitted to the government, the developers argued that the site was not viable for any community use.
It said:
“An independent report has confirmed there is no scope for the Appeal property to be viably run as a public house.
“The issues highlighted in that report would equally, and perhaps more so, apply to any alternative community use.
“The only realistic potential purchasers for an alternative community use project would be the parish council and Harrogate Borough Council. The property has been marketed since 2017 and at no time has either body expressed any interest in it.”
A government planning inspector will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
Harrogate Hydro reopening delayed until summerThe reopening of Harrogate Hydro has been delayed until summer next year.
The swimming pool and leisure centre closed in April for an £11.8 million refurbishment.
At the time, the pool hall and changing rooms were due to re-open next month and the ‘dry side’ activity space was expected to welcome visitors in April.
The pool opening date was later pushed back until May. But in a post on its Facebook page this week the venue said it is now due to open in summer.
The facility will get a two-storey extension as well as a new entrance, cafe and reception area and sauna and steam suite.
There will also be new diving board equipment, a new fitness suite and the changing areas will be upgraded.
How the Hydro is looking.
The Hydro, which is run by Harrogate Borough Council-controlled leisure company Brimhams Active, said in its Facebook post that work was “well underway”. It added:
“As is often the case when refurbishing an existing building, we have discovered some additional areas of work that could only have come to light when the building was closed and a strip-out of the internal fabric had taken place.
“This includes some improvements to the fire protection of the steel frame, replacement of corroded steelwork, replacement of soffit boarding, and resolution of air leakage and heat loss between the roof and the external walls. As well as some work to ensure the building conforms to the latest legislation and is as energy-efficient as possible.
“Despite everything being done to minimise delays to the project, we now anticipate opening our doors once again next summer (date TBC). But by carrying out the work now, we will be able to ensure people across the Harrogate district can keep fit and active for many years to come.”
The Stray Ferret has asked the council if the “additional areas of work” will mean the cost of the project has risen. We have not received a response at the time of publication.
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One person commented in response on Facebook about the length of time Harrogate swimmers would have to travel to Ripon to use another council pool:
“This is going to be well over a year swimmers in the north of the town have been without a pool, and ‘summer (tbc)’ isn’t inspiring me with a lot of confidence.
“Driving to Ripon (actually quicker than trying to get through traffic to Starbeck or Knaresborough) isn’t a particularly appealing prospect on a foggy/icy winter morning, nor is it very green.”
Another person said the wait would be worth it.
“Ah well a least another seven months travelling through to Ripon. If it’s going to be as good as Ripon, really looking forward to it reopening.”
The council, which will be abolished in April, is also spending £17 million on a new leisure centre in Knaresborough, which will have a six-lane swimming pool, health spa and fitness studios.
It is being built behind the existing Knaresborough Pool which will be demolished.
Get your skates on! Harrogate Christmas festivities get underway
The first skaters took to the ice and the giant Ferris wheel wheel began turning as Harrogate’s Christmas festivities got underway.
Fog lifted at noon just in time for people to get a great view of the festivities, including the 50 market stalls, ice rink and more from the top of the 32-metre Ferris wheel.
The Christmas Fayre is running with the Candy Cane Express road train from today until December 11 but many of the rides including the ice rink, ferris wheel and carousel will stay in the town centre until January 3.
Read our comprehensive guide to Harrogate’s Christmas fun here. Check out our gallery from this morning for a taste of the fun:
The festive season officially gets underway in Harrogate tomorrow with the return of ‘Destination Christmas’.
The town will be buzzing with the opening of the ice rink, 32-metre Ferris wheel, the carousel and 50 market stalls, plus more.
With so much going on we’ve put together a brief guide to the attractions, showing where you can see them and how much they cost.
Christmas Fayre
When: December 2 -11, Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7pm, Sunday: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Where: The pedestrianised areas of Cambridge Street and Market Place in Harrogate town centre
Destination Harrogate is bringing back Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which launched in 2021. It will be bigger this year with about 50 stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal foodie treats.
The traditional Christmas market, delivered by Market Place Europe, will offer an ‘eclectic mix of enticing stalls’ to complement Harrogate’s independent retailers, restaurants, bars and boutique stores.
Market Place Europe and Harrogate Borough Council, which jointly operate the Christmas Fayre, will also once again provide a stall for charities.
Little Bird artisan market
When: December 3 and 4 and December 10 and 11, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Where: Valley Gardens, Harrogate
The festive artisan market will feature 70 local and regional traders and producers, who will sell a variety of arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.
Candy Cane Express road train
When: December 2-11
Where: This year’s route has yet to be confirmed, but last year it stopped at James Street, St Mary’s Walk and Crescent Road. It also passed Montpellier Hill, Cheltenham Parade, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue.
Cost: Free
The Christmas road train experience is also back for 2022, to transport festive revellers around Harrogate town centre while the market is on, with the Candy Cane Express co-funded by Harrogate BID.
Giant Ferris Wheel
When: December 2 – January 3
Where: Harrogate town centre, next to the war memorial
Cost: £7 for adults, £5 for children
The 32-metre illuminated observation wheel will offer views spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Harrogate outdoor ice skating rink
When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day
Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate
Cost: Tickets cost £14 for adults and £13 for children aged five to 16. Family tickets costing £37.50, £50 and £62.50 are available. Sessions are 60 minutes. There are also ‘relaxed sessions’ and parent and toddler sessions.
All new for 2022, the outdoor ice skating rink features an après ski bar offering seasonal treats and refreshments.
The bookings website says:
“Harrogate ice rink is magical for all ages, great for families, date nights, catch ups with pals, Christmas parties with a twist, skaters, non-skaters, those who want to learn to skate at our skate school or just enjoy one of the most fascinating spectator sports with a drink and bite to eat.”
Traditional carousel and children’s fairground rides
When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day
Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate
Cost: £3 per person. Bungee trampolines are £5 per go.
Crescent Gardens in Harrogate will take on a fairground feel again this year, featuring a traditional carousel and a collection of small rides for tiny tots.
The rides are provided by Events By Cynosure and supported by Harrogate Borough Council’s Parks and Environmental Services team.
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What the organisers say:
John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing back Destination Christmas and to be offering an even bigger and better experience for 2022. We’re building on the success of last year and through working in collaboration with our partners, including Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate BID, we can look forward to delivering something really special this Christmas.
“Destination Christmas not only offers our residents the opportunity to enjoy an amazing Christmas experience, particularly following the challenges of the past two years, it also encourages visitors to the Harrogate district from further afield, bolstering local trade and boosting our tourism industry at a crucial time in the business calendar.”
Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“Once again, Christmas will be coming to Harrogate town centre and I for one can’t wait. Last year’s offer was a great success but I know this year’s will be even bigger and better.
“Town centres are recovering well from the covid pandemic and by working with our partners and stakeholders we can once again deliver a safe, vibrant and attractive offer that drives visitors to our district’s shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, hotels and B&Bs this festive season, and showcase the Harrogate district as the perfect Christmas destination.
“The Christmas attractions also offer a fantastic way for families and friends to spend quality time together at this special time of year and to enjoy being active outdoors. And the all-new ice skating rink not only offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to socialise but also encourages physical activity, in a magical environment.”
Nick Rhodes, chief executive of Market Place Europe, said:
Harrogate council set to agree to buy land for new horticultural nursery“Harrogate is a beautiful and unique destination and the perfect place to enjoy our fantastic Christmas market. We’re really excited to be returning this year with an even bigger Harrogate Christmas Fayre, and to be bringing an exciting variety of traders into the town centre to offer a wonderful experience that all the family can enjoy.”
A new home for Harrogate Borough Council‘s nursery could be bought by the authority if a proposal is accepted next week.
The council’s cabinet is set to approve plans to buy the land to relocate its Harlow Hill nursery — but the location remains under wraps.
Details of the proposed piece of land and its cost have not been revealed as the council argues they are commercially sensitive. However, documents published ahead of the meeting next Wednesday say the ward affected by the proposed purchase is Hampsthwaite and Killinghall.
The ward covers both villages, along with land to the south across Penny Pot Lane and down to the northern edge of Beckwithshaw.
The report by commercial and transformation officer Jennie Atherton said:
“Whilst the agreed value is slightly over the asking price, this is proportionate as the transfer would not be subject to an overage clause. This provides security for the council moving forward with the proposed development or an alternative use.
“Furthermore, the difference in value price secures the preferred site that could facilitate future operational needs of the horticultural nursery and enable the service to develop and maximise commercial opportunity including targets to bring net costs to zero and payback the capital investment in full.”
Harrogate Borough Council’s current nursery was described in the report as “no longer fit for purpose”. It was included in the local plan as a site for residential development and the council has agreed to invite expressions of interest in the site.
It has said any sale would be conditional on a new nursery site being available first.
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Next week’s decision would allow officers to proceed with site searches and stage one of the Royal Institute of British Architects‘ eight-phase plan of work for delivering projects.
While the purchase of the site could complete before Harrogate Borough Council is replaced by the new unitary North Yorkshire Council in April, work to develop the new nursery is likely to take longer.
The report said:
“The business case demonstrates that building a modern facility on a new site is the better value option with the potential for significant growth and opportunity.
“It is anticipated that the development and construction of the new nursery will be financed by a combination of several elements: capital investment funding, capital receipt from the sale of the existing Harlow Hill site, and nursery revenue and commercial opportunity.
“Note that whilst sufficient funding is approved within the Harrogate Borough Council capital investment programme to cover the purchase of the land and initial RIBA stage, further funding would need to be agreed once the authority has transitioned to North Yorkshire Council for subsequent RIBA development stages and the actual build of the new facility.”