Members of the Kingsley Ward Action Group (KWAG) hope the discovery of badgers will thwart a proposed housing development on Kingsley Road.

Redrow Homes won outline planning permission to build 133 homes on appeal in August 2020 after it was initially refused by councillors on Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee.

A reserved matters application that gives a final rubber-stamp to development is yet to be signed off.

As part of the application, the developer submitted two ecology studies.

These found there were four badger setts in the area but only one or two were still actively used by the animal.

Members of KWAG bought a trail cam, which is a camera that is left outside and captures the movement of animals.

They claim their investigation found evidence of 11 badger setts, 6 of which it says are still active.

Mr Tremble said:

“How can complete amateurs spot this much badger activity so easily when so-called professionals failed completely?”.

KWAG has sent the results of their investigation to HBC councillors.

How the proposed development will look

Badgers and their setts are protected by law.

Developers must have a licence from Natural England to remove or modify a badger sett.

John Hansard from KWAG said the planning application must now be put on hold until the licence is approved, which could take months.

He said:

“There is proof of badgers on site. It’s the breeding season now so they can’t apply for a licence until the end of June. Nothing can happen until then.”

Redrow’s response

Traci Moore, land and planning director for Redrow (Yorkshire), said:

“We are committed to protecting wildlife in and around the proposed development. We have undertaken surveys of local wildlife and submitted ecological reports in line with the outline planning permission, including a detailed badger survey in 2021.

“We have also submitted proposals to reduce the impact of the development on the native badger population. These proposals are subject to ongoing discussion and agreement with the council’s ecologist.”

Harrogate District’s Chamber of Commerce is due to hold its monthly Business Safari event.

The members-only speed networking event will be held next week at St George’s Hotel.

You can sign up to the monthly agenda through the Harrogate Chamber website.

Plant competition for school children hosted by Johnsons of Whixley

Johnsons of Whixley in Harrogate is holding a competition for primary school children.

To celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee and gardening, £250 worth of plants will be sent to the winner’s school, including ten plants for their own home garden. Those in second and third place will also win a plant.

Children under the age of 11 can participate by drawing an imaginative Jubilee Garden. The form can be downloaded here.

Children must create a drawing of a jubilee garden as part of the competition

JW is a three-generation run family business which grows and supplies trees, shrubs and plants to UK-wide planting schemes.

The company plays an active part in the community, having collected donations for Ukraine and providing plants to Baby Rainbow Memorial Garden last month.

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Residents in Scotton are mobilising against plans to build a solar farm the size of 150 football pitches that they believe will spoil their picturesque village.

UK energy firm Gridserve is behind a proposal to build the solar farm on fields belonging to Lawrence Moor Farm.

Thousands of solar panels would generate up to 49.9 megawatts of green energy that could power up to 14,000 homes.

The village on the outskirts of Knaresborough has a population of around 600 people.

Scotton resident Richard Tallis, who has lived in the village for 12 years, has distributed leaflets to villagers and said 165 people have responded to say they are opposed to the plans.

Two public footpaths would be surrounded by solar panels if they were passed.

Mr Tallis said:

“We’re not against solar farms, just put them in the right places.

“Agricultural land should be used for agricultural purposes.

“There’s a strength of opinion around the village opposing it.”

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The main site where Gridserve wants to put the solar panels is bound by the narrow country roads Low Moor Lane and High Moor Lane. It is also opposite the village primary school.

Mr Tallis said he fears the roads are ill-equipped to cope with eight months of construction traffic whilst the site is built.

He said he is not a “NIMBY” but feels that solar farms should be built on the edge of motorways and away from residential areas.

“I accept there will always be people that criticise us for opposing it.

“But there are other sites that are more suitable, not on the edge of a picturesque green village.”

Net-zero

This morning the UK government published its flagship energy strategy. It wants the country to produce most of the energy it uses through renewables.

It says the UK will increase current solar capacity by five times before 2035.

A spokesperson for Gridserve said:

“Matters of proximity, visual impact and access throughout the construction and operation of the Scotton solar farm will be integral parts of the forthcoming planning and design process.

“We hope we are able to proceed with the next design phases in an open, collaborative approach that involves members of the local community and other statutory and non-statutory stakeholders”

Harrogate property developer Adam Thorpe has pleaded not guilty to driving at almost twice the legal limit for alcohol.

Mr Thorpe, of Ingerthorpe Hall, Markington, was stopped by police in November 2021 on the B6265 near Risplith Hill.

He was charged with having 66 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Mr Thorpe attended Harrogate Magistrates Court today and pleaded not guilty.

Charlotte Dangerfield, prosecuting, said if the case were adjourned the prosecution would call two witnesses, including a forensic toxicologist.

The chair of the magistrates agreed to adjourn the trial until September 26. It will be heard at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

Mr Thorpe received unconditional bail.

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Harrogate Borough Council announced in 2017 that Mr Thorpe had bought its former offices at Crescent Gardens for £6.31 million.

But the deal never went through and the site was eventually sold to Impala Estates.

A proposed amalgamation of two Harrogate primary schools is set to be shelved.

The plan would have seen Woodfield Community Primary School close and become part of Grove Road Community Primary School, which would be based across the two sites from September.

However, governors at Grove Road have withdrawn their support for the plans.

It leaves the future of Woodfield hanging in the balance, with its governors saying they need time to consider what will happen next.

They said:

‘’We are saddened to hear about Grove Road’s decision to withdraw support for the amalgamation.

“It has been a difficult time for Woodfield School, and we were very hopeful​​​ that a satisfactory conclusion could found for the future of the school. The school, staff, parents, and governors need a time of reflection before we make any decisions regarding the school’s future.

“We will continue to consult with North Yorkshire County Council regarding any future decisions.’’

Some Woodfield school parents spoke out against the merger.

The proposal had been met with shock and disappointment from some residents, who said they valued the school and did not want to see it closed. A consultation was held for parents and the wider community to enable the schools and North Yorkshire County Council to gather people’s views.

However, the county council is now proposing that the amalgamation should not proceed, with a decision to be made by its executive on April 19.

The merger was put forward after Woodfield was rated inadequate by Ofsted, forcing it to look to be taken on by a multi-academy trust. Ofsted inspectors found the school was making progress, but no academy could be found to take Woodfield on.

Read more:

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Today, Grove Road’s governors said in a statement:

“When first approached about the amalgamation the leadership and governors could see the potential benefits of the proposal for the communities of both schools and were supportive of the consultation. However, a change of such significance also carries risk.

“During the consultation period we have monitored factors such as the level of support for the proposal and the likely demand for school places.

“Ultimately, the governing board have concluded that we must prioritise the future of Grove Road School and so, sadly, we can no longer support the proposed amalgamation.”

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for education and skills, Cllr Patrick Mulligan, told the Stray Ferret in November that the council would have liked to give Woodfield school more time, but its hands were tied by national policy.

He also said the process could be a “downward spiral”, with a poor rating resulting in fewer applications and admissions, then a struggle to make the school viable.

Today, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of children and young people services, Stuart Carlton, said:

“Any proposal to expand a school onto an additional site is a significant change with challenges that should not be underestimated. So, while we are disappointed the proposal is no longer supported, we fully understand why Grove Road governors now have that view.

“I would like to thank the leadership and governors of both schools for their efforts in working with us on this amalgamation proposal.

“We will now need to work alongside the Department for Education and governors at Woodfield primary to re-consider the position for the school over the coming weeks before we are able to comment further.” 

The Curious Cow of Harrogate will open to the public tomorrow after a £650,000 rebrand.

Revere Pub Company, which has transformed the former Old Spring Well pub, has held a series of soft launches and opening parties over the last week.

The pub, on the A59 in Killinghall, provides contemporary dishes alongside pub classics, plus pizza and steak.

General manager Michael Baravelli is well known on the local hospitality scene, having worked at venues such as the Gino D’Acampo restaurant in Harrogate, The Joiner’s Arms in Hampsthwaite and The Pine Marten in Harrogate.

Michael Baravelli

He said:

“We are looking forward to creating a beautiful space where the community can escape, switch off and enjoy what we have to offer.”

The revamp has created 40 jobs at the site, which was known as the Travellers Rest before it became the Old Spring Well.

Revere Pub Company, which has 16 pubs in the UK, has replaced the children’s play area outside with a seating area.

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Mayor Trevor Chapman pulls a pint.

This post is sponsored by C and M Ices

The ice-cream phenomenon, C and M Ices has scooped up a prime spot in front of the Victoria shopping centre. So instead of listening out for the familiar ice-cream van jingle, we will know exactly where to get our 99s and Mr Whippy’s come this summer.

Sid Taylor has ice cream in his blood and is the fourth generation of his family to win awards from the Ice-Cream Alliance.

Sid says:

“I was brought up on ice cream, I’ve been doing it since I was 14. I’m the 4th generation of C and M Ices from my uncle parking me up on a pitch in a Bedford van and leaving me there all day, to getting my own van and now being the flag bearer of the business. I cannot see myself ever doing any other line of work and wouldn’t want to. It puts smiles on people’s faces.”

The C and M van can be found every day except Sundays, weather permitting, outside the Victoria Shopping Centre from now until the end of summer. They serve ice creams, warm desserts, slush and cold drinks alongside their seasonal specials like Easter egg sundaes or fresh strawberries and ice cream, just in time for the nice weather.

Award-winning Ice Cream

C and M Ice is multi-award-winning, having been given over 50 awards for their quality. In 2019 and 2020 they placed 3rd in the UK & Ireland Mobiler of the Year category. They also receive awards for their soft-serve ice cream; with a Gold medal in 2021, and a Silver medal this year.

The company was established in 1889, and that pedigree shows in the quality of the ice cream they serve, as well as Sid’s own passion for his craft. Innovation is also a touchstone of the company, and customer favourites like ice cream served in half an easter egg, brownies, waffles, and fudge cake, means there is the perfect treat for you and your family, no matter your preferences.

Follow C and M Ices on their socials and visit them outside the Victoria shopping centre.

Carers’ Resource, the charity which supports unpaid carers looking after family members or friends, is moving to a new base in Harrogate.

The charity has had its head office at North Park Road, Harrogate, since 1995, but is now relocating to more modern premises at nearby Grove Park Court.

Staff have started moving in to the new office, which will be fully operational by April 11.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, will cut the ribbon to officially open the new site on May 13.

Chris Whiley, chief executive of Carers’ Resource, said:

“This charity began its life in Harrogate and while we have expanded over the years, this move demonstrates our huge commitment to carers in the Harrogate area and beyond.

“We have recently secured a new contract from North Yorkshire County Council to continue delivering services for unpaid carers in Harrogate and Craven, and to start delivering a full range of services in Selby.

“This move will give us a strong base from which we can continue to provide vital information, advice and support to carers.”

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Carers’ Resource was founded by Anne Smyth, who was awarded an OBE by the Queen in 2013 for her services to carers.

A small carers project initially operated out of Harrogate District Hospital before moving to North Park Road in 1995 and becoming an independent, not-for-profit charity with four staff. The young carer project started a year later.

Carers’ Resource now supports unpaid adult and young carers in Harrogate, Bradford and Craven districts, and will also be providing services in Selby from July 2022.

Harrogate estate agents take on Yorkshire Three Peaks for charity 

Harrogate estate agents, Feather Smailes Scales (FSS) are hoping to raise more money for Maggie’s Centres by climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

The team at FSS said they wanted to support a charity that helps those undergoing treatment.

Maggie’s Centres builds centres next to NHS hospitals to offer professional support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries.

The FSS team will take on the 24-mile hiking challenge tomorrow.

Partner and auctioneer Richard Smailes said:

“Last November, I was incredibly touched by the enthusiasm of those supporting the charity. Those who were affected by cancer planned to carry out incredible tasks to raise money for a cause that supports those suffering take back control when cancer turns their life upside down.”

To donate click here.

Networking event for SMEs at Harrogate Convention Centre this month

Harrogate Borough Council and SME Growth Managers have organised an event for Harrogate district businesses to share ideas and solve problems.

The event, on April 21, is aimed at local SMEs, small to middle-sized businesses.

‘Five tips to sales and marketing effectiveness in challenging times’ will hear from numerous business owners about the impact of marketing.

The event lasts 90 minutes and is free to attend. It will highlight funding opportunities and give business owners the chance to meet with similar, like-minded businesses.

The event begins at 9.30am at Co-Lab Harrogate, through entrance three at the convention centre.

Harrogate Convention Centre

The death of a 45-year-old man at a Harrogate hostel was due to “multi-drug toxicity”, an inquest heard today.

The inquest into the death of Stephen Paul Cattanach on October 26, 2020 was heard at Northallerton Coroners Court this afternoon.

At the time of his death, Mr Cattanach was living in temporary accommodation provided by Harrogate Borough Council at Cavendish House on Robert Street.

The inquest heard the 45-year-old was found in his room by a member of staff on the afternoon of October 26.

Dr Joy Shacklock, of the Spa Surgery in Harrogate, told the inquest Mr Cattanach had a “complex history of drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues”.

Dr Shacklock added her patient had suffered a number of overdoses, most recently twice in July 2020. She said Mr Cattanach insisted neither was intentional.

A toxicology report performed after his death, found high levels of drugs, including morphine and heroin, in his blood.

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He had previously been helped by North Yorkshire Horizons, an adult drug and alcohol recovery service. Mr Cattanach reached out for support from Horizons five days before his death and had a follow-up appointment booked for October 27, the day after he died.

Coroner Jon Heath agreed with the post-mortem assessment and concluded that his death was drug related. He said:

“I am satisfied that the cause of death was multi-drug toxicity, this alongside the police evidence which found no suspicious circumstances or suicidal indications suggests he did not intend to take his own life.

“I am able to conclude that on the balance of probability his death was drug related.”