Hay-a-Park Archives - The Stray Ferret

Speeding Knaresborough motorcyclist faces court£50,000 Knaresborough play area makeover to begin in NovemberRevised plans submitted for 126 homes in Knaresborough

Revised plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council to build 126 houses in Knaresborough.

The homes, along with car parking, open spaces and a children’s play area, would be built on two fields used for grazing off Water Lane.

The fields are close to Hay-a-Park site of special scientific interest, which is regarded as an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

The site has been subject of multiple proposals for new homes, which the Stray Ferret has covered extensively.

Knaresborough Town Council and Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, were among those to object last year when plans were submitted to North Yorkshire Council for 138 homes. More than 600 people also signed a petition opposing the scheme.

Previous plans for 218 homes and 148 homes on the fields were rejected.

View of a section of the proposed site, south and west to school boundary and rear of Carmires Avenue and Halfpenny Lane

New plans for fewer houses have been drawn by Haines Phillips Architects on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland.

But Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Knaresborough Town Council who organised last year’s petition, said:

“I’ve spoken with a number of nearby residents who are steadfast in their opposition to this proposal.

“It’s still accessed by narrow estate roads, still very close to the site of special scientific interest and still is on the site of an unlicensed tip that has suspicions of asbestos buried. This site isn’t appropriate.”

To view or comment on the application, visit North Yorkshire Council’s planning website and type reference ZC23/02886/FULMAJ.

Hay-a-Park, site of special scientific interest

Andrew Jones MP calls for 138-home scheme in Knaresborough to be rejected

Andrew Jones has raised concerns in Parliament about plans to build 138 homes in Knaresborough and called for the scheme to be rejected.

The site, off Water Lane, is within the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place.

But it has attracted opposition from Knaresborough Town Council and residents, amid concerns about the proximity to Hay-a-Park gravel pits, site access and the impact on local infrastructure. Hay-a-Park is an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

Now Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Conservative MP Mr Jones has added his voice to those calling on North Yorkshire Council to refuse the scheme.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“At a time when we have enshrined in law our commitment to stop and reverse the decline in nature, development of a site within or so close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest is not acceptable. The effect on bird species in particular concerns me.

“There are though many more reasons why this application should be rejected.”

Water Lane on the left divides the field and Hay-a-Park.

He added:

“Environmental health say that a further risk assessment is required because of the presence of gas which means that ‘residential construction would not be accepted’.

“The Ramblers point out the applicant has ignored the public right of way and strongly object to the plans. The council highlights the need for an archaeological survey. The highways authority say there are ‘unresolved highways issues’ and Yorkshire Water object to the application saying that ‘the layout and landscaping details are not acceptable’.

“Residents give many other reasons why the application should be rejected and I agree with them.”

Mr Jones raised the issue during a parliamentary debate on protecting green spaces on Monday.

He asked housing minister Rachel Maclean what steps she was taking to ensure “proposed sites for housing that are completely unsuitable for reasons of biodiversity or lack of access or proximity to a site of special scientific interest are not taken forward and built upon”.

Ms Maclean replied she could not comment on individual cases but it was “really important that local authorities make decisions according to their local plans”.

Third bid to build on land

Two previous plans to develop on the land, which is currently used for grazing, have been refused.

The latest proposal, however, has reduced the number of homes from the original 218 and the previous 148 to 138.

A planning statement sent to the council by Cunnane Town Planning on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland said 40% of homes would be classed as affordable and the scheme would include open space and a children’s play area.

A footpath across the site.

A design and access statement by Haines Phillips Architects described the scheme as “a well-balanced, landscape dominated proposal where front gardens are generous, dwellings are no longer cramped, parking or garaging no longer remote or dominant, and casual surveillance and street activity visible in all locations”.

It added:

“It results in an environment that will give a sense of place and well-being for residents.

“It is considered that the proposal does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the SSSI.

“It is a proposal of benefit in terms of architectural design, landscaping and sustainability whilst providing a strong contribution to housing needs.”

But Knaresborough Town Council has called for it to be rejected, saying the land is one of the town’s last open green spaces “and its loss will impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Knaresborough”.

A petition by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, has attracted more than 500 signatures.

Cllr Andy Bell (left) and resident Dave Worner on Water Lane.

Mr Bell said the development “threatens our local environment by encroaching on precious green spaces that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to cleaner air quality”.

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire Council, has ‘called in’ the application, which means it will be determined by elected councillors on the planning committee rather than by an unelected council officer.

Cllr Walker said this would enable the application to be “fully scrutinised by council members in an open forum”.

Knaresborough Town Council calls for 138-home scheme to be rejected

Knaresborough Town Council has called for a scheme to build 138 homes alongside a site of special scientific interest to be rejected.

Hay-a-Park gravel pits is regarded as an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

Plans have been submitted to build the homes on two fields currently used for grazing on the other side of Water Lane to the gravel pits.

Hay-a-Park gravel pits

In its submission to North Yorkshire Council, which will decide whether to allow the scheme, the town council said:

“This is one of the last open green spaces used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and joggers where the countryside and clean air can still be enjoyed in Knaresborough and its loss will impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Knaresborough.”

The town council listed 15 reasons for declining the scheme, which include concerns about land contamination on the former landfill site and pressure on local GPs and schools.

It also said:

“Access to the site through Mint Garth/Stirling Chase/Old Penny Gate/Florin Drive is not a viable option as these houses were built with onsite parking for one car.”

A petition started by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, has attracted more than 500 signatures, which qualifies it to be debated by North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises the Conservative-controlled council.

Cllr Bell said there had been six housing developments within about a 15-minute walk of Water Lane in the last five years and his main concerns about the latest proposal were the suggested access route through a housing estate and the proximity to the SSSI. He said:

“This development threatens our local environment by encroaching on precious green spaces that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to cleaner air quality.

“The increased traffic will inevitably lead to higher levels of air pollution in an area that should be cherished for its fresh air and natural surroundings.”

A footpath goes across the site.

Cllr Walker told the Stray Ferret he had concerns about the SSSI, access and the design of the scheme.

He added calling in the application would enable it to be “fully scrutinised by council members in an open forum”.

Fields to housing? Dave Worner’s current view from home.

Dave Worner, whose home overlooks the proposed site, said:

“One of the main reasons we moved here was because it was on the edge of the countryside.

“I can sit and watch hundreds of people walking. It would cause significant harm to the surrounding area.”

Site allocated for planning

Previous plans for 218 homes and 148 homes on the fields have been rejected.

However, the site is situated within the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where local development can take place.

A planning statement sent to the council by Cunnane Town Planning on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland, said the scheme would create 138 homes with associated access, parking, open space and a children’s play area.

“The proposal is for a mix of affordable and market dwellings of which 40% would be affordable and 60% would be open market.

Plans for housing on Water Lane in Knaresborough

How the scheme would look.

Because the site is in the local plan, it says the principle of development has been established and “there are no material considerations which would indicate that the development plan should be set aside” and “therefore planning permission should be granted for the scheme without delay”.

A design and access statement by Haines Phillips Architects sent to the council said:

“The submission now presents a well-balanced, landscape dominated proposal where front gardens are generous, dwellings are no longer cramped, parking or garaging no longer remote or dominant, and casual surveillance and street activity visible in all locations.

“It results in an environment that will give a sense of place and well-being for residents.

“It is considered that the proposal does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the SSSI.

“It is a proposal of benefit in terms of architectural design, landscaping and sustainability whilst providing a strong contribution to housing needs.”

Knaresborough woman describes pelican recapture as ‘pure madness’

The Knaresborough resident who alerted Blackpool Zoo to the presence of its missing pelican at Hay-a-Park has described Wednesday as the “craziest day of her life”.

Chantelle Wilfan spotted the Eastern white pelican on the lake at around 10.15am while taking her son, three-year-old Leo, for a walk.

Told by a birdwatcher it must be the one that had escaped earlier in the month, she called Blackpool Zoo, which immediately dispatched a posse of zookeepers to take the bird into custody.

Chantelle, who watched the action unfold with Leo and her mother, Debbie Pedel, told the Stray Ferret:

“The keepers arrived mid-afternoon and said they needed a boat. I suggested [Blenkhorn’s Boats on] Waterside and Ripon Sailing Club, but they were closed. So, we rang around people we knew and luckily, my cousin’s husband, Chris McMillan, had a canoe, so the keepers went round to collect it.

“They spent some time trying to get close to the pelican, and one even fell out and had to start swimming, but after about 40 minutes we heard a shout from across the lake to say they’d got it, and we all gave a cheer.

“It was an absolutely incredible experience being with the keepers and watching this incredible pelican. They’re the nicest, kindest men I’ve ever met. They were very calm and worked together as a team. They were absolutely there for that bird – they were so professional.

“The whole thing – spotting the pelican, chasing round for a boat, and watching the keepers catch it – was pure madness. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. It has to have been the craziest day of my life.”

As reported by the Stray Ferret yesterday, the pelican was scared by gulls and blown away by a gust of wind on August 4 – the day Storm Antoni blew in off the Atlantic.

Photo taken by Knaresborough resident Chantelle Wilfan of the juvenile pelican that had escaped from Blackpool Zoo, and which she spotted at Hay-a-Park.

The juvenile pelican ended up 65 miles away from its home in Blackpool. Photo: Chantelle Wilfan.

Blackpool Zoo paid tribute to Chantelle and her family in a statement issued following the rescue:

“Particular thanks goes to a wonderful family in Knaresborough who saw keepers trying to reach the pelican in the lake on Wednesday and brought a kayak for them to use – without their kind gesture and support, the rescue would not have been possible.”

The statement added:

“It was extremely important for us to rescue this pelican and return it to its flock as they are very social birds and, as a non-native species, it needed to be back with its own kind.

“The pelican is now in our animal hospital, where it has been given a full health check, had its wings clipped and will be quarantined before being returned to the flock in the near future.

“We look forward to seeing it out and about on pelican lake with the rest of its family soon, and we are sure that, now it is a local celebrity, lots of people will want to come and see it!”

The Eastern white pelican, also known as the great white pelican, is native to southeastern Europe, Asia and Africa.

Dalmatian pelicans once thrived in the wetlands of what is now East Yorkshire, Norfolk and Somerset, but were driven to extinction about 2,000 years ago.

Missing pelican from Blackpool Zoo found in Knaresborough

A pelican missing from Blackpool Zoo for almost three weeks was found in Knaresborough yesterday.

The Eastern white pelican was scared by gulls and blown away by a gust of wind on August 4.

Zookeepers set up a 24-hour hotline and eventually captured it at Hay-a-Park gravel pits this afternoon — 65 miles from home. It was retuned to the zoo evening.

But the zoo said in a statement the rescue wouldn’t have been successful without the help of a local family:

“Particular thanks goes to a wonderful family in Knaresborough who saw keepers trying to reach the pelican in the lake on Wednesday and brought a kayak for them to use — without their kind gesture and support, the rescue would not have been possible.”

The statement added:

“It was extremely important for us to rescue this pelican and return it to its flock as they are very social birds and, as a non-native species, it needed to be back with its own kind.

“Confirmed sightings have come from as near to home as Lytham and Fleetwood, to as far away as Harrogate and, where it was eventually rescued, in Knaresborough.

“The pelican is now in our animal hospital, where it has been given a full health check, had its wings clipped and will be quarantined before being returned to the flock in the near future.”

The statement described pelicans are docile creatures and said “there was never any threat to the public”.

Let us know if you were the family that helped with the rescue. Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Andrew Jones MP says new police powers will help tackle Traveller issues in Knaresborough

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has said new laws will strengthen police powers to tackle crime associated with Travellers in Knaresborough this summer.

Appleby Horse Fair starts on Thursday next week in Cumbria and lasts until June 14.

The event has attracted illegal encampments in Knaresborough and Copgrove in previous years as people make their way to and from the event.

The encampments have also led to widespread concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Jones recently discussed the issue with fellow Conservative Zoe Metcalfe, the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

He told the Stray Ferret the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 enabled police to “take quicker and more effective enforcement action where significant harm is happening” and criticised opposition parties for not supporting it.

Hay-a-Park in Knaresborough after an encampment two years ago.

Mr Jones added the broadening of existing powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 would also enable police to “ban trespassers from returning to land previously occupied and preventing them from occupying land that forms part of the highway”.

He said:

“These are all matters I have raised with the local police and the police, fire and crime commissioner to ensure that they are fully aware of the tools at their disposal for dealing with anti-social behaviour connected with traveller encampments.

“I am also keen that the council and the police share intelligence on traveller movements, particularly during the summer season of traveller fairs, so that private landowners can be given advice on how to secure their land if they are on the route to these fairs.

“I hope these new powers and continued coordination between the relevant authorities, landowners and residents can prevent anti-social behaviour that is associated with some of the encampments.”

But Mr Jones admitted it was “difficult to address all eventualities and I am sure incidents will still occur”, adding:

“The court process exists for those occasions and our local council has a good track record of using those processes to re-possess public land and can provide guidance to private landowners in that respect too.

“There are sites travellers can use in the district – in fact there are nine council-owned sites across North Yorkshire. The council needs to constantly review whether the number of sites is adequate. It may be that the capacity is enough and the travellers are simply not using them. That is information the council will need to assess in its deliberations over whether the number of sites is adequate.”

‘No specific actions’

Ms Metcalfe said she took “no specific actions” from her meeting with Mr Jones but said she expected all reports to be “investigated thoroughly”. She said:

“I am aware of community concerns surrounding traveller encampments in the run up to and during Appleby Fair, and I know the force are learning from previous years when incidents involving gypsies and travellers have taken place.

“When meeting with MP Andrew Jones last month he raised no particular issues in relation to traveller encampments, and we spoke about this year’s Appleby Fair and the positive community messaging that had already been circulated by North Yorkshire Police regarding things such as road safety, for example drivers being aware of people travelling to the event and being careful when over taking horse and carts.

“I took no specific actions from the meeting, only to encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences a crime to report it to the police via 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency. I will continue to scrutinise the force for their handling of calls and expect that all reports made over the duration of the event will be investigated thoroughly.”

New tree avenue to be planted on Harrogate’s Stray

An avenue of apple and maple trees will be planted on Harrogate’s Stray this month.

They will be among 800 trees planted by Harrogate Borough Council as part of National Tree Week.

The council will also be planting native trees, including oak, lime and sycamore, at Hay a Park in Knaresborough and at Paddies Park and Gallows Hill in Ripon.

About 500 of the trees have been nurtured at the council’s Harlow Hill nursery.

National Tree Week, which begins on November 26, is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration.

Councillor Sam Gibbs, the council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“Planting more trees is a priority for us and this project supports a number of schemes – the White Rose Forest, for example – that will help address the climate situation and deliver carbon reduction initiatives throughout the Harrogate district.

“We couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers so I’d like to thank everyone who has either provided a sapling or will be planting a tree.”

More information about National Tree Week is available on the Tree Council website.

Andrew Jones MP writes to Priti Patel about ‘law-breaking’ Travellers

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel about speeding up measures to evict Travellers who break the law.

The Conservative MP said the recent encampment at Hay-a-Park in Knaresborough produced “disorder and anti-social behaviour completely off the scale compared to that associated with previous traveller encampments in our area”.

Mr Jones said his comments were based on reports received from residents, police and landowner Harrogate Borough Council.

Writing on his Community News website, he said:

“Vandalism of property, damage to cars, late night motorbike and quad bike racing through residential estates, break-ins at barns, use of pavements and open space as a toilet were just some of the unpleasantness residents nearby reported and had to put up with.”

Mr Jones added that some Travellers had “took the openness and generosity of spirit which is the hallmark of our communities and simply abused it” and further action was needed to “protect the rights and property of residents against future incursions of this nature”.

Eviction currently takes place three days after notice is served.

“I have written to the Home Secretary asking her to look at ways in which enforcement can be brought forward on the advice of the police where law-breaking occurs from the activities of a travelling community.

“I have also written to our local Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Zoe Metcalfe, asking her to look at the policing of this encampment and to see if any improvements could be made with the benefit of this experience.

“Finally, I have asked the council to look at how it can secure public land more effectively and more anticipate the movements of travelling communities and provide appropriate sites to be used as layovers for them.”

Mr Jones described the Traveller encampment as “a darker episode for many” amid recent celebrations, such as Knaresborough Bed Race and the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

“I want to make sure that local people and travelling communities can enjoy their everyday lives in peace.

“It is a shame when the minority act in a way that risks labelling the majority and that is what my actions are seeking to avoid.”

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Third bid to build on land

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Site allocated for planning

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‘No specific actions’

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