Who will make decisions on new homes in the Harrogate district in 2023?

A debate is brewing over who should decide on plans for new housing in the Harrogate district.

Currently, Harrogate Borough Council makes decisions on proposals for new homes and major developments.

But this will be taken out of the council’s hands in April 2023 when North Yorkshire Council takes over.

Some politicians argue that planning powers should be given to local areas.

But, for council bosses, it appears the matter is not so straight forward.

Local areas should make planning decisions

Ahead of the new council being formed, North Yorkshire County Council set up a working group to look at how planning matters should be decided.

The authority is set to approve measures to create its own Local Plan – but has yet to decide how planning decisions should be made.

For most councillors, they believe the area constituency committees should be in charge of such decisions affecting their own areas.

The committees are made up of county councillors from a local area, such as Harrogate and Knaresborough, and discuss matters relevant to that place.

New housing under construction at King Edwin Park in Harrogate.

New housing under construction at King Edwin Park in Harrogate.

Cllr Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough area committee, pointed out that not handing powers to such committees would “erode accountability”.

She said:

“The devolution of decision making powers on planning is the right thing to do. How is a Councillor in Scarborough supposed to understand the impacts or issues of a particular development in Harrogate?

“In the new North Yorkshire Council structure Area Committees will be key, they should be given powers to direct local services and they should have budgets to make that happen. 

“Having one huge planning authority for the entire of North Yorkshire would be impractical, costly and would erode local accountability.”

The issue is particularly pertinent when it comes to major developments.

In Harrogate, decisions are still expected on a bottling plant at Harrogate Spring Water and a 3,000 home town between Knaresborough and Cattall called Maltkiln.

Major developments

Councillors believe that such decisions should be made at a local level.

However, in a county council report, officials suggested that a threshold should be set for applications to be made a county-wide committee.

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One of the suggestions was that decisions on applications for 500 houses or more would be taken by North Yorkshire Council.

Cllr Arnold Warneken, a Green Party county councillor who represents Ouseburn, said he had concerns over such a threshold.

He said that area committees should have input on major applications, whether they are made at a county level or not.

Cllr Warneken said:

“We got to have a situation where they [local committees] get some input.

“If they are always a consultee then they will have their say.

“I do not want to leave this down to chance, I want it written into the council’s strategy.”

‘Two models being considered’

Conservative Cllr Simon Myers,, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for growth and housing, said two models are being considered for planning across the county.

He said the aim for the new authority was a “co-ordinated planning policy overseen by one over-arching authority”.

He said:

“This will help attract new enterprise and also bring in much-needed new homes to address the affordable housing issues which are seen across North Yorkshire, but especially in our rural and coastal communities. 

“We envisage several committees will make key planning decisions when the new council launches from April 1 next year. 

“There are currently two models which are being considered for the new North Yorkshire Council to ensure that planning policies are co-ordinated in the best possible manner and are addressing the needs of local communities. 

“The first option would see six planning committees introduced based on constituency areas, while the other proposal would see the six committees condensed into three. Both options with see a strategic committee dealing with major planning applications as well as decisions concerning waste and minerals. 

“A great deal of work has gone into making sure that planning decisions are made effectively with the advent of the new council, and I have chaired a group of members who have been looking at the issue. I would like to put on record that I am extremely grateful for all the work that has been undertaken by both members and officers.”

The county council’s executive will consider the options and make a decision when members meet on Tuesday next week (December 13). 

That decision will then go to a full council meeting in February when it will be discussed and ratified ahead of the launch of the new council.

Parents in Harrogate district urged to get their children vaccinated against flu

Hospital officials in Harrogate said today they are concerned by a lack of take up for flu vaccines in children aged five to 11.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust runs the School Age Immunisation Service, which covers vaccinations for children across North Yorkshire and the North East.

However, officials are now urging parents to get their child vaccinated against the flu this winter to help prevent its spread.

Carly Dodsworth, from the School Age Immunisation Service at the trust, said: 

“Whilst flu often has mild symptoms it can also be extremely serious.

“We would encourage parents to have their children vaccinated at the earliest opportunity to protect them and anyone they meet who could be vulnerable to the flu.

“Parents who missed the chance to have their child vaccinated in school and who are still keen for them to have the vaccine, can take advantage of the additional clinics that we have organised over the next few weeks.”

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All primary school children are eligible for the free flu vaccination, which is usually a nasal spray that is given in school.

The School Age Immunisation Service is yet to visit all primary schools in the region and parents of children whose primary school has yet to be visited are being asked to look out for an email from their school with details of when flu vaccinations will be taking place.

Children who have missed their opportunity to have their vaccination at their school will be able to take advantage of additional drop-in clinics and appointment only clinics which are being held across the region in December.

You can find out more about drop-in and appointment clinics here.

New Harrogate district housing plan should not be ‘tickbox exercise’, says councillor

A new plan for housing across the Harrogate district should not be treated as “a tickbox exercise”, says a local councillor.

Senior councillors are set to back drawing up a new county-wide Local Plan ahead of the creation of North Yorkshire Council on April 1.

The blueprint would look ahead for a minimum of 15 years, and at least 30 years in relation to any larger scale developments, such as new settlements or significant urban extensions. It would encompass all areas of the county outside the national parks.

Cllr Arnold Warneken, a Green Party councillor on North Yorkshire County Council, told the Stray Ferret that the document had to look at the “bigger picture”.

He said the county council was in a position to be able to use the plan as a means of promoting sustainable homes, solar panels and affordable housing which is energy efficient.

Cllr Warneken said:

“We are not ticking boxes with this.

“We have to think of this as a bigger picture. It’s not just a case of putting this plan in place, it needs to be at the forefront of it all.”

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Meanwhile, Cllr Stuart Parsons, leader of the North Yorkshire Independent group on the county council, said the plan should also include a ban on fracking.

He added that the blueprint needs to take into account rural areas and health inequalities.

North Yorkshire County Council will be recommended to approve creating a new county-wide strategy at a meeting of its executive on December 13.

Cllr Matt Walker, Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough West, said the move to create one plan was “common sense”.

He said:

“It is just common sense that we would think again about how and where we develop now we are part of the new North Yorkshire authority.

“Harrogate and Knaresborough has seen a huge amount of building in recent years. It has put too much strain on our roads and health services. We do need good affordable local housing, but we have to have the infrastructure to go with it. Now we are one authority, we need one local plan that addresses these issues.”

Harrogate Town Council should oversee planning

Chris Watt, vice-chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour party, said a Harrogate Town Council should be set up to oversee such planning matters.

He said:

“We need more genuinely affordable and sustainable homes, with proper provision of social housing and decent infrastructure.

“With more empty business premises due to the Tories crashing the economy, we should also be looking to see if any of those can be turned into affordable accommodation for people struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“We are concerned that without a new Harrogate Town Council in charge of these matters, decisions taken by the new North Yorkshire Council in Northallerton will ignore the needs of Harrogate and Knaresborough.”

ConservatIve Cllr Simon Myers, executive member for housing and growth on the council, said the plan would help towards the council’s “ambitious targets” on climate change.

He said:

“The plan will be vital to the new North Yorkshire Council’s ambitions to deliver sustainable economic growth, through good homes and jobs, as well as the best facilities and infrastructure for everyone who lives or works in the county.

“Planning guidance will also play a key role in meeting our ambitious targets to tackle climate change. In addition, it can support other services in meeting the needs of our many communities at a local level, taking into account everything from transport and education to housing, health and social care.”

Harrogate district Local Plan set to be scrapped

Harrogate Borough Council currently has its own Local Plan which outlines where development can take place across the district until 2035.

It is due to be reviewed by 2025 but this looks set to be scrapped because of the creation of a new unitary authority North Yorkshire Council and the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council on April 1.

However, a report to councillors who will decide whether to accept the recommendation says a review of the proposed Maltkiln development, which could see up to 4,000 homes built near Cattal, will continue as planned.

Weather warning for Harrogate district as icy snap looms

A weather warning for ice has been issued for the Harrogate district as sub-zero temperatures loom.

The warning is in force from 6pm tomorrow until noon on Thursday.

The Met Office has warned “some disruption is likely due to icy surfaces” on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

The district has had remarkably little ice so far this winter.

Temperatures are expected to fall slightly below freezing tonight and then plunge to minus three degrees centigrade on the next few nights. They will struggle to rise much above freezing even during the day and light snow could fall on Friday and Saturday.

Temperatures could fall even lower in more rural areas, such as Greenhow Hill, which is the highest place in the Harrogate district.

Gritters, which operated last night, will be back out on key routes again tonight.

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New housing plan to be created for Harrogate district

A new Local Plan guiding where land can be used for housing and employment for decades to come is to be drawn up for North Yorkshire.

Harrogate Borough Council currently has its own Local Plan which outlines where development can take place across the district until 2035.

It is due to be reviewed by 2025 but this looks set to be scrapped because of the creation of a new unitary authority North Yorkshire Council and the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council on April 1.

North Yorkshire County Council will be recommended to approve creating a new county-wide strategy at a meeting of its executive next week.

However, a report to councillors who will decide whether to accept the recommendation says a review of the proposed Maltkiln development, which could see up to 4,000 homes built near Cattal, will continue as planned.

The new Local Plan would look ahead for a minimum of 15 years, and at least 30 years in relation to any larger scale developments, such as new settlements or significant urban extensions. It would encompass all areas of the county outside the national parks.

Cllr Carl Les, the Conservative leader of the authority, said:

“A robust Local Plan that sets out an ambitious vision and a clear framework for growth will ensure that we keep control of how and where development takes place.

“By ensuring a local focus, we can protect and enhance the quality of the places in which we live, creating sustainable economic growth and prosperous communities while safeguarding the natural and heritage assets that are such an important aspect of our county.”

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Cllr Simon Myers, executive councillor for growth and housing, said

“The plan will be vital to the new North Yorkshire Council’s ambitions to deliver sustainable economic growth, through good homes and jobs, as well as the best facilities and infrastructure for everyone who lives or works in the county.

“Planning guidance will also play a key role in meeting our ambitious targets to tackle climate change. In addition, it can support other services in meeting the needs of our many communities at a local level, taking into account everything from transport and education to housing, health and social care.”

Asylum seekers begin volunteering projects in Harrogate district

Asylum seekers from countries including Iran and Syria have been taking part in a conservation project in the Harrogate district.

The participants have no right to work in the UK while their asylum claims are assessed so they undertook volunteering at Nether Timble Farm, Swinsty to get exercise and regain a sense of purpose.

Those taking part are skilled workers, such as software programmers, digger drivers, electricians and farmers, in their own countries.

Abdul Aziz, Hysni Latif, Ali Reza, Imran and Salih from Syria, Iran, Turkey and Sudan took part in coppicing work at the farm with Josh and Rowan from Leeds Coppice Workers.

Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland rejuvenation that is both productive and good for nature. The group worked hard creating a number of coppice products, including stakes and weaving rods for hedge-laying and bean poles for the garden.

The scheme is part of Nidderdale AONB’s farming in protected landscapes funded project. It is the first of six outings planned to take place throughout the next year. Future visits will offer opportunities to take part in hedge-laying, dry-stone walling, as well as visits to working farms.

Matt Trevelyan, farming in protected landscapes officer at Nidderdale AONB, said:

“Being outdoors is proven to boost mental and physical well-being, and the group really appreciated the day out in the AONB, which despite being a rather grey day in November saw the sun peek out from behind the clouds — the landscape looked its moody best!”

Free Christmas holiday clubs for low income families in Harrogate district

Eight holiday clubs, which are free for those receiving benefits-related free school meals during term-time, will operate in the Harrogate district over Christmas.

The clubs provide food and activities for pupils during the holidays and are available to all children but free for families whose children receive free school meals.

North Yorkshire County Council invests more than £135,000 in its holiday club programme, known as FEAST. During the summer holidays, 12,000 children in the county took part in the initiative, which included activities ranging from sports and forest camps to dance and drama workshops.

The FEAST programme aims to tackle the financial strain school holidays have on family finances amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Activities in the Harrogate district run from December 19 to January 2.

King James School in Knaresborough is among those taking part. Its ‘Dopeamin programme’ helps young people take care of their wellbeing and develop a positive mind-set through fitness, nutrition and other techniques.

Here is the calendar for the upcoming clubs across Harrogate district:

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The FEAST programme is run by North Yorkshire Together, a partnership between North Yorkshire Youth, North Yorkshire Sport and Rural Arts.

The programme is also funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme.

North Yorkshire County Council leader, Cllr Carl Les said:

“We are delighted at the number of organisations who have come forward to provide a varied programme of holiday clubs and activities. The funding ensures children on free school meals receive at least one nutritious meal while they attend the activities.

“The holiday club programme has been running for just over two years in North Yorkshire and has quickly expanded to include a very varied selection of activities focusing on sports, arts and wellbeing right across the county.”

More information regarding the holiday clubs can be found on the FEAST programme website.

Guide to Christmas fairs and markets in the Harrogate district

Christmas markets are taking place across the Harrogate district.

Here’s our guide to what’s taking place. If you know of one that isn’t included, let us know and we will add it. Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

RHS Harlow Carr, Bath House Gallery: Christmas Crafts 

10am, Thursday, October 20 to 4pm, Friday, December 23 

  

Country Living Christmas Fair, Harrogate Convention Centre 

10am, Thursday, December 1 to 4pm, Sunday, December 4 

 

Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair, The Yorkshire Events Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

9.30 to 5am Thursday, December 1 to Sunday December 2022 (4.30pm finish on Sunday)

 

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, Harrogate town centre

10am, Friday, December 2 to 4.30pm, Sunday, December 11 

 

Pateley Bridge and Bewerley late night shopping, Pateley Bridge High Street

December 2, 5.30pm

 

Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate

Saturday, December 3, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 4

 

Knaresborough Christmas Market, Knaresborough Market Place

10am, to 5pm Saturday, December 3 and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4, finishing with firework fiesta over the viaduct at 4.30pm 

 

Knaresborough Artisan Market, Gracious St Methodist Church, Knaresborough HG5 8AN

10am to 3pm, December 3

 

Copt Hewick Christmas Fair, Copt Hewick village hall and church

11am to 3pm, December 3, cash-only event, Santa arrives at noon and carols at 1.30pm

 

St Luke’s Church Parish Christmas Fair, St Luke’s Church, Franklin Square, Harrogate

10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, December 3

 

Belmont Grosvenor School Christmas Fair, Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith

Saturday, December 3, £3 entry for adults, free for children

 

Minskip Christmas Gift Fayre, Minskip Village Hall

Saturday December 3, 1pm to 4pm – all gifts priced at under £10

Nativity Festival, St Cuthbert’s Church Pateley Bridge

Saturday December 3, 10.30am to 2.30pm. Followed, at 7pm by Christmas carol singing accompanied by local choirs. (Tickets for the carol concert cost £5 and will be available on the door or from church members)

SYD* Christmas Craft, Vintage & Collectables Fayre, Masham Town Hall 

10am, Sunday, December 4 

* Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs 

 

Knaresborough Winter Fayre, Knaresborough Market Place

10am to 4pm, Saturday, December 10

 

Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate

Saturday, December 10, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 11

 

Harrogate district women undress for Calendar Girls revival

A group of brave Harrogate district women took to the stage in a state of undress last night for the opening night of Calendar Girls.

The sell-out show, which ends on Saturday, sees members of Kirkby Overblow Dramatic Society perform an adapted version of the original Calendar Girls film.

The 1999 film is based on the true story of how a group of middle-aged women from Rylstone and District Women’s Institute, near Skipton, posed nude for a risqué calendar to raise money for leukaemia cancer.  They have since raised over £5m for the charity Blood Cancer UK.

Three of the original Calendar Girls — Angela Baker, Chris Clancy and Linda Logan — will be in Kirkby Overblow for Saturday night’s finale at All Saints Church.

The cast also agreed to pose for a 2023 calendar shot creatively at local landmarks in Kirkby Overblow.

calendar girls December

The December image from the calendar, showing all the cast. Photo: Annette Fishburn Photography 

The heart-warming play, written by Tim Firth, is directed by Claire McKenzie from Harrogate.  Auditions were held in August.

All profits from the production and calendar will be split between the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital, cancer support charity Maggie’s Yorkshire and Blood Cancer UK.

Dr John Fairfield, chairman of Kirkby Overblow Dramatic Society, said:

“The similarities between the villages of Rylstone and Kirkby Overblow and their close-knit communities made it an obvious choice. The dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm of the cast and crew is inspiring. We are absolutely delighted that Chris, Angela and Linda are able to join us”.

Angela Baker said:

“It is a marvellous legacy that after 23 years when we embarked on our Alternative WI calendar, we are here today still supporting the cause. It’s thanks to casts and crews like this up and down the country that keeps the Calendar Girls story alive and continues to raise funds for Blood Cancer UK.”

Copies of the calendar can be bought for £15 from the Shoulder of Mutton pub in Kirkby Overblow.

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MPs Watch: Resignation honours and River Nidd water quality

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced his autumn statement, which included scrapping planned investment zones in the Harrogate district and across the country.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation honours were also revealed, which is set to include district MP Nigel Adams.

We asked our three Conservative MPs, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but, as usual, we did not receive a response from any of them.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, pictured at Prime Minister's Question Time.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found out on Mr Jones:

Julian Smith at PMQs

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

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