Station Gateway scheme could increase greenhouse gas emissions

A report by consultants on the proposed £7.9 million Station Gateway project in Harrogate has found it could potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions.

The gateway project aims to improve town centre accessibility, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, and help to achieve a net-zero carbon goal.

But net carbon emissions could increase because the reduced traffic flow in the area affected by the scheme would force some drivers to take longer alternative routes.

North Yorkshire County Council said this would represent a “worst-case” scenario, and it would refine the scheme to ensure it is environmentally friendly.

The report also highlighted the loss of up to 15 trees. They would be replaced by new trees within the scheme area at a ratio of at least one replacement for each tree lost.

In addition, there would be a net loss of parking spaces in Harrogate town centre. The scheme would, however, maintain or increase the number of disabled parking bays in the centre.

Under all versions of the scheme examined, the bandstand at the north end of Station Square would be removed, while the Jubilee memorial on the south side would remain in place. Other improvements include a proposed water fountain and ornamental planters.

Read more:

Environmental impact

The report is a preliminary study prepared by WSP, a consultancy firm.

It aims to provide information to North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council, which are developing the Station Gateway scheme, about the potential environmental impacts.

Council planners will use this information to determine whether a formal environmental impact assessment is needed.

The report assesses three different options:

The report forecasts that under the “do maximum” scenario improvements to pedestrian, cycling and public transport infrastructure will encourage a shift away from car use, with a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 1,113 tons over 60 years.

However, at the same time reductions in traffic capacity will force vehicles to take longer alternatives, which is predicted to lead to an increase in carbon emissions of 2,576 tons of CO2 over 60 years.

This suggests that the net impact of the scheme will therefore be an increase in emissions of CO2 of roughly 1,400 tons over 60 years. To put this into context, the average UK citizen produces roughly five tons of CO2 per year.

The report notes that:

“…the transformational change from the scheme has the potential to unlock further behavioural change and growth than modelled, in which case emissions reductions may be larger.”

There is no forecast of the change in carbon emissions under the “do something” or “do minimum” scenarios.

More detailed proposals to come

Karl Battersby, corporate director of business and environmental services at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“At this early stage of development, it is prudent to consider a worst case scenario. It is that modelling that informs the screening request. This worst case shows that at this stage there is potential for a slight adverse carbon emissions impact.

“However, further detailed design will focus on achieving a net-zero position and we will present a more refined carbon assessment when detailed proposals are recommended for implementation.”

Pedestrianisation of Harrogate’s James Street moves a step closer

Council bosses in North Yorkshire and Harrogate are set to press ahead with designs for James Street and Station Parade as part of the £7.9 million Station Gateway scheme.

The project, which is being led by North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, was consulted on back in March over plans to pedestrianise James Street and reduce Station Parade to one lane.

A report will go before the county council’s executive next week which will recommend progressing to a detailed design stage with further consultation.

Of the 1,101 who responded to the survey, 45% supported the full pedestrianisation of James Street and 49% favoured the Station Parade one-lane proposal.

Read more:

However, 17% said they favoured a part-pedestrianisation of James Street and 27% backed two lanes for Station Parade.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said:

“We are grateful to everyone across each of the towns who took the time to share their views in the consultation. We have listened. The next steps we are considering take into account the feedback we have received. 

“They take account of concerns raised while providing significant benefits to facilitate and encourage people to cycle and walk. There will, of course, be further consultation on detailed proposals before final decisions are taken.”

The main concerns raised during the consultation were the potential impact of increased congestion and the potential impact on businesses of reduced parking.

The county council said any pedestrianisation or part-pedestrianisation of James Street would result in loss of town centre parking.

How Station Parade might look under the new “station gateway” proposals.

It estimates that this would be no more than 45 out of 915 on-street pay and display spaces in the town centre. Currently, at peak occupancy, it is estimated there are 120 on-street spaces unused.

The pedestrianisation of James Street would also require a Traffic Regulation Order, meaning further consultation would be required.

Cllr Phil Ireland, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, said: 

“I’d like to thank those who have taken the time to complete the TCF consultation and shared their views on the Harrogate proposals.

“It’s positive to see that the proposals for sustainable alternatives to the car, and an improved and exciting public realm, have significant support from residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“The benefit of carrying out a consultation early on in the process is that we have everybody’s feedback and ideas to feed in to the next phase of detailed design work. We can now collectively work together, review the feedback, explore our options and design a 21st century travel network that supports economic growth for the region and something people can be proud.”

Further public consultation will take place in the autumn to inform proposals for implementation.

Following the development of detailed designs, a final business case will be prepared, including the outcome of further consultation, before approval is sought to implement the finalised designs.

Funding for the project comes as part of the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and the schemes must be complete by March 2023.

The crusade to save Harrogate’s high street

Being general manager of one of the most prestigious stores on the most prestigious shopping street in Harrogate, Nick Hubbert has clear views on how to revive the town centre.

“We need to play to our strengths – beauty, flowers. Not rush down the route to do many things, like pedestrianisation.

“Let’s get through covid first. It’s not just about cycle lanes and the area around the station.”

Mr Hubbert’s views are shaped by a lifetime in retail. Last year he swapped the world of fast fashion for premium products when he left a managerial role at Sir Philip Green’s Top Shop in Sheffield for Hoopers, the family-run designer department store on James Street.

Top Shop is one of many mighty brands to have fallen in Harrogate, along with the likes of Debenhams, Swarovski and Laura Ashley. Mr Hubbert, 50, who lives in Hampsthwaite, is acutely aware of how critical the months ahead are for not only for Hoopers but the whole of Harrogate after lockdowns, Brexit and the rise of internet shopping.

He has joined Harrogate Business Improvement District, which aims to increase footfall in the town centre, as part of his broader mission to save the high street.

He says there have been some good initiatives, such as the BID’s street clean-up, but has concerns about the recent scattergun of proposals from Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, which range from installing fake grass to promoting cycling and walking schemes that restrict vehicles to talk of pedestrianising streets and making traffic one-way. He says:

“The big focus at the moment has to be on the next couple of months. We need to accept the fact we have been through one of the biggest negative things in our lives. We need to think about back to basics.

“There’s been some great work done but there needs to be more synergy between the various groups.

“If we are going to do something, let’s focus on things that will make a big difference. Something that makes a statement.”

Parking on James Street

James Street, with its more upmarket retailers, is particularly sensitive to tinkering. Last year’s decision to install planters for social distancing purposes and prevent parking didn’t go down well with many traders. Mr Hubbert says:

“It was a big deal because it’s evident people used that parking to nip in and out. We put our point across but here we are without it.”

Read more:

He hopes policymakers listen to businesses before any new initiatives are introduced.

“I hope they take views on board and don’t just stream-roll things thorough because they have seven or eight million pounds and feel they have to spend it.

“That sum could be better spent on a park and ride scheme. Or we could make James Street electric car-only and have electric charge points. If we do something, let’s do something big.

“If you go down the pedestrianisation route, go for something premium so that people’s dwell time on James Street will increase but we have to have that guarantee it will be something spectacular.

“Don’t do fake grass. Don’t make it like Cambridge Street. That doesn’t look inspiring and attract footfall. There are no features. It’s just nothing.”

Last department store standing

Hoopers has felt its share of pain in the last year. Staff numbers have halved to about 35 and it has reduced trading to 30 hours a week for the time being.

It is the last department store standing in the district after Debenhams in Harrogate and Wrens in Ripon closed last year. You might think Mr Hubbert would be pleased to see rivals fold but he says:

“An empty shop in town isn’t good for anybody. We will pick up some of their sales but I’d rather see Debenhams in a strong position because it’s one of the oldest names on the high street.”

Some feel the department store concept has had its day but Mr Hubbert says the lockdown has rekindled Britain’s love affair with shops, particularly those selling premium brands.

“People have seen the high street deteriorate in the last 18 months and it’s shocked them. As much as they love the internet for convenience shopping they don’t want to see void space.

“Many regulars have come back and said ‘we are so pleased to see you back’. They like the fact that they can get that different fragrance here that is unique.

“They are definitely treating themselves to things such as luxury handbags and outfits for holidays.”

‘Biggest fight of our lives’

Harrogate has one of four Hoopers stores. Debra Angus, the managing director, visited recently. Mr Hubbert says:

“There was no doom or gloom conversation. It was all very positive. It’s given me a lot of confidence.”

But there’s no hiding the fact that these are unprecedented times. He says:

“Every retailer is having the biggest fight of their lives. For me, it’s about making the store become profitable and have longevity so we still have this great store in Harrogate.

“We are fighting to be here long-term. I’ve been in retail all my life and it’s become evident we can’t live without the high street. I’m more passionate than ever about shops staying open.

“That’s why I’m involved with the BID. I want to make a difference to not just Hoopers but also making the shopping experience better for people. I’m on a crusade to save the high street.”

Strayside Sunday: Planters? We have bigger problems up the road

Strayside Sunday is our weekly political opinion column. It is written by Paul Baverstock, former Director of Communications for the Conservative Party. 

People really care about transport and traffic.

In my column last week I made the point that car design has been made less interesting; less angular, more rounded, better to adhere to pedestrian safety concerns.  In my mailbag this week I was taken to task for suggesting that cars only occasionally collide with pedestrians.  For the avoidance of doubt I want to make plain that any pedestrian death is of course one too many.

In fact, it has been pointed out to me that in the United Kingdom during 2019 there were 1743 pedestrian casualties with 1748 road deaths (including vehicle occupants).  I agree, this cannot be defined as “occasional.”  However, for perspective, given that the Department for Transport reports that we Brits took to the roads in our vehicles for a total of 272 billion miles in 2019, the number of pedestrian deaths is mercifully low.

Clearly pedestrians were not ‘front of mind’ to car drivers confronted with North Yorkshire County Council’s implementation of new traffic control measures at Harrogate’s Beech Grove this week.  Finding their route blocked with large planters, it seems that rather than turn around and navigate the roads, several drivers simply took off across the stray to avoid the obstacles.  The impromptu rally left several deep tire tracks in our cherished green space and, allegedly, saw other drivers find alternate routes through the private carparks of the apartment buildings on the road.  For some reason Dick Dastardly, Muttley and Penelope Pitstop spring to mind: Whacky Races indeed.

The Stray Defence Association (SDA) has mobilised, with their Chair, the redoubtable Judy D’Arcy Thompson to the fore.  It strikes me that what with Harrogate BID (BID), Independent Harrogate (IH), Harrogate and District Cycle Action (HDCA), Pinewoods Conservation Group (PCG) and the SDA, the political scene in Harrogate is beginning to resemble Ulster in the troubles.  Now, before you get exercised, of course I don’t actually think that, nor is it my intent to diminish the horrible importance of the traumatic lived experiences of those across the Irish Sea. Indeed, nor do I demean the activities of Harrogate’s various interest groups.  Quite the reverse.  In fact this column is a weekly and affectionate exercise in celebrating Harrogate’s vibrant local life and politics.

By the way, 2019 was also the year in which North Yorkshire County Council conducted a public survey into traffic congestion. 77% of us reported that we would use cycling and walking infrastructure, were it to be built.  This is but one piece of evidence being used by our fearless local leaders this week as they reached for the top shelf, grabbed an existing plan or two and blew off the dust.  Yes, plans to pedestrianise James Street and Station Parade are back on the agenda and lovely artists renderings of tree-lined, single-lane boulevards, segregated cycling lanes and promenades are circulating.  The almost £8 million Station Gateway Project is alive and well.

This will likely, and with some justification, enrage many in Harrogate’s business community, particularly those with commercial interests on once-proud James Street.  What I want to see and hear from our county and borough councillors is a cogent plan for economic renewal, for enterprise creation, for the bringing together of place, work and community.  In the absence of leadership, vision and common purpose, narrow interest groups with opposing views will continue to flourish.  Discourse will be lost to the cacophonous and shouty voices of entrenched opinion.

The world is undergoing profound changes, accelerated by Covid-19.  How we work will never be the same again, with company after company embracing a permanent work from home culture.  In-store retail shopping, already in decline before the pandemic, faces the end of days.  One of the most successful companies of our time is called Shopify; a Canadian tech giant that allows anyone to create a brilliant virtual retail presence for their venture (including payment and product distribution) for a monthly subscription of £25.  In the face of such profound change it just isn’t good enough to dust off old plans and comforting drawings.  We need discontinuity, creative thinking and innovation.  Nor is it good enough to find comfort in the way things were, in how we have always done things, in how we have built our businesses over the years.

Harrogate remains a great place to live, this notwithstanding that we hear this week that our council tax is going up significantly (£50 at Band D).  As we wait with bated breath for the Prime Minister’s Monday press conference, for what we hope will be a tentative lockdown easing roadmap, the £300 billion plus costs of Covid-19 and its economic impact begin to hove chillingly into view.  Council tax increases are just the beginning.

Conservatives both national and local have always felt that their point of difference is effective economic stewardship.  With the Bank of England predicting that unemployment could reach 10% by the middle of 2022, the cost of welfare benefits is set to sky-rocket.  Rishi Sunak is in an unenviable position; he’s paid Paul and now needs to rob Peter.  It seems inevitable that income tax rates will have to rise.  A one-off wealth tax has been suggested.  Increased inheritance tax is on the table, as are both a capital gains tax increase and a closure of tax efficient enterprise investment schemes.  If implemented with a dead hand, if we are ever to pay off our Covid-19 bill, these measures could choke off any prospect of the economic recovery the country desperately needs.

Local traffic and transport issues are important but they are a second order problem.  We are in danger of squabbling over the deckchairs while the Titanic sinks.

That’s my Strayside Sunday.

Read More: 

Do you have a view on this column or is there a political issue you’d like Paul to write about? Get in touch on paul@thestrayferret.co.uk

James Street pedestrianisation back on the cards in major town centre scheme

Pedestrianisation of James Street, a single lane on Station Parade and more cycle facilities could be lined up for Harrogate town centre, under new council plans.

It comes as North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council are set to consult on proposals for the town’s “station gateway” project.

The county council secured £7.8 million in funding from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund last year to draw up plans to improve transport connections, encourage more people to walk and cycle and improve the image of the town centre.

A four-week public consultation on the project will start on Wednesday (February 24).

Read more:

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, told a press briefing this morning that the scheme would also provide an “economic boost” for the area.

As part of the consultation, the public and businesses will be asked for their views on three options for James Street.

Other schemes which will be consulted on include one or two lanes on Station Parade and public event space at Station Square Gardens.

Cycle storage facilities, two new bus priority areas at lower Station Parade and Cheltenham Parade, and a water feature are also proposed.

Plans to temporarily pedestrianise James Street last year were criticised by local businesses and led to the county council postponing the measure until 2021.

Three options for James Street will be consulted on, under council plans.

Three options for James Street will be consulted on, under council plans.

Cllr Phil Ireland, cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability at Harrogate Borough Council, said the new schemes would be vital for the town.

He said:

“This is an extremely important scheme for the town, which we view as a solid foundation for change, particularly towards active travel.”

Cllr Ireland added that he hoped the plans would help people who come to the town to “feel more comfortable to get around safely”.

Plans for a ‘station gateway’ have been in the works for several years and fit into a wider strategy for Harrogate drawn up by the borough council in its 2016 Town Centre Strategy and Masterplan.

Cllr Mackenzie said the proposals were particularly important due to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on town centres.

He said:

“It is extremely appropriate that we are looking to develop three schemes which will provide better facilities for pedestrians, for cyclists and better connections to bus and trains.

“But it will provide an enormous economic boost for our town centres, which frankly over the past 12 months have suffered a great deal.”

It comes as similar projects have been outlined for Selby and Skipton. Final designs and construction for the schemes are earmarked for spring next year.

People can give their views on the schemes in the online consultation from Wednesday here.

Harrogate’s mixed reaction to James Street planters

Few topics, it seems, generate more debate in Harrogate than the planters on James Street.

The Stray Ferret put a picture of the new car parking blockers on our social media feeds late last night and more than 150 people have already posted comments.

The council had promised to provide “eye-catching” planters to replace the cones it had installed as part of covid social distancing measures on the popular shopping street.

But the reaction, it has to be said, was distinctly mixed. Some approved, albeit with caveats:

“I like them, better than seeing those orange cones everywhere.”

“Better than cones but a bit small, look dwarfed by the space around them.”

But there were concerns about everything ranging from the impact on parking to whether they might be trip hazards or even attract the attention of thieves. Here’s a sample:

“I have just walked through town and I am utterly shocked at how many streets these complete waste of money have been put on. Surely it is not beyond the common sense of the council to realise there are many businesses in town that are not shops and are reliant on this parking for staff and customers?”

“These stupid pots of weeds (well they will be weeds in a couple of weeks) are another nail in the coffin of retail.”

“I’m sure they’ll drag thousands in and increase footfall.
The shop owners must feel so thankful that they have such a far sighted council.”

The social distancing cones on James Street, Harrogate.

The social distancing cones on James Street, Harrogate.

“Trip hazard, hope the council’s insurance policy is up to date.”

“Hazard, someone is going to end up running into them. Are they even visible at night?”

Read more:

One person suggested the road should be cobbled like York and parking restricted to maintain the character and encourage social distancing.

Some people have been having fun with the planters and photoshopped Bill and Ben, the Flower Pot Men, into the picture.

Some people have been having fun with the planters and photoshopped Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men into the picture.

The issue of cost inevitably was raised.

“Were the cones not working? Shame the money wasn’t spent helping the other streets in Harrogate that have independent businesses all trying to survive.”

It has to be said the majority of comments were not of approval. But some did acknowledge that flowers were better than cones.

“It’s better to have some natural cheer than the typical plastic misery.”

James Street social distancing cones to be replaced with planters

Cones used for social distancing on James Street in Harrogate will be replaced with planters in an effort to make the street more attractive.

Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council will introduce the planters as part of funding from both the European Regional Development Fund and government.

They will also replace the social distancing cones on parts of Albert Street.

It comes as a trial pedestrianisation of James Street was proposed in September, but county council bosses later postponed after pressure from local business owners.  It’s unlikely the planters will be welcomed by some shop owners on the street who have opposed the cones and want the return of on-street parking.

Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader of the borough council and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said: 

“We recognise the majority of businesses and stores in Harrogate are currently closed. 

“But we hope in the run-up to Christmas, and the anticipation that the current lockdown will be lifted, people will be able to return to the high street and do so safely with the addition of these new eye-catching social distancing measures.”

As well as the planters, additional signs will be put up to reassure shoppers that it is safe to shop on the streets in the run up to Christmas.

Read more:

Parking suspensions will remain in place until the end of January to support social distancing measures, but the county council will continue to monitor and review the situation.

However, suspensions that are currently on Albert Street, between Princes Square and West Park, will be removed and parking will be available

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said: 

“Our local highways team is working with Harrogate Borough Council’s parks team to install these planters alongside signage that will reinforce the message that it is safe to shop local.

“We are confident that the introduction of more attractive social distancing measures will offer reassurance to the public that they can shop safely and at the same time give much needed support to our local businesses.”

The county council will temporarily close both roads on November 18 and 19 to implement the planters.

It comes as the county council had initially planned a temporary pedestrianisation of James Street.

The measures were criticised by local business owners and landlords, including former Leeds United and England footballer Danny Mills.

After a meeting with local businesses in October, county council bosses decided to postpone the trial until after Christmas.

Harrogate and Knaresborough pedestrianisation extended

North Yorkshire County Council is extending temporary pedestrianisation measures in Harrogate and Knaresborough until next year.

Parking suspensions and road closures have become a familiar sight and the council confirmed today they will remain until at least January 31.

To improve the look of the scheme, traffic cones on Albert Street and James Street in Harrogate will make way for planters.

The planters will be funded by Harrogate Borough Council through the government’s £50m reopening high streets safely fund.

The two councils hope the move will reassure the public it is safe to shop in the towns.

Read more:

However, some business owners on James Street have warned of empty shops to come if the county council persisted with pedestrianisation.

The county council said in response it had listened to those views and will keep the measures under review.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, the executive member for access at the county council, said:

“We are committed to supporting the county’s recovery while ensuring people can visit shops safely and buy local. We hope that these measures are making shoppers feel confident to visit our high streets as we approach the Christmas shopping period.”

Cllr Phil Ireland, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, said:

“Feedback from both businesses and visitors alike has been positive and I’m glad these measures have encouraged people back to the high street that it so desperately needs.”

Parking spaces between Princes Square and West Park on the A61 in Harrogate will be reopened, it was also announced.

The full list of measures in Harrogate:

The full list of measures in Knaresborough:

Lucky sick pigeon on James Street finds someone who cares

A Harrogate woman found a sick pigeon on James Street and instead of walking by decided to rescue it and nuture it back to health.

Hayley Norman, who works for local charity Carers’ Resource, was moved when she saw a rather sad looking young bird on James Street.

At first she decided to leave the bird with the assumption that its parents would come back to care for it.

Three days and plenty of rain later Hayley decided to go back and see if the pigeon was still there. It was and looking in a worse state.

Armed with a shoe box Hayley managed to scoop up the young pigeon, who she has named James after the street where she found it, and took it home.

Read more:

With days of hand feeding and keeping James warm, Hayley managed to find him a professional in Pickering to help eventually release it. She told the Stray Ferret:

“I rang a vet for some advice. They said that I could bring it in and they would put it to sleep. That’s not what I wanted to do so I decided to take on its care myself. When I rescued it I am sure some people thought I looked crazy. Normally I would just walk past but I couldn’t this time.”

Would Hayley do it again? Absolutely. It might not be for everyone but there are plenty of groups online dedicated to pigeon rescue.

The RSPB’s advice tells people that it is rarely possible to catch injured birds and warns that careless handling may cause further injury.

County council postpones James Street pedestrianisation

North Yorkshire County Council has decided to postpone a temporary pedestrianisation of James Street in Harrogate.

In an email to businesses, David Bowe, director of business and environmental services at the county council, said the authority will not pedestrianise the street before Christmas.

It comes as the authority had planned a trial pedestrianisation which would have blocked off the street to cars for up to six months.

Read more:

Business managers, landlords, Harrogate BID and Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce met virtually with the the council earlier this week where some raised concerns over the issue. They said the timing was poor, as the run-up to Christmas will be particularly vital for them this year after losing trade through lockdown for several months.

Now, Mr Bowe has told traders that their concerns were heard “loud and clear”.

He said in an email:

“In conclusion having discussed the matter with Cllr Don MacKenzie, the leader of the council and the chief executive I would make the following proposal. That we agree not to introduce the experimental order before Christmas and that NYCC officers will engage with representatives of your group to develop a detailed proposal for an experimental part closure of James Street to best advantage.

“I recognise that you may still have reservations about the plan and they will be taken into account when a report for a decision is subsequently presented.

“I believe the response above demonstrates that we have listened to the points you have raised and have noted them. Whilst the final decision on this has yet to be taken, we do now offer you assurance that any experimental closure will not be implemented before the New Year.”

The temporary closure of the street to traffic was requested by Harrogate Borough Council for “social distancing and safety purposes”. Cllr Don Mackenzie, NYCC’s executive member for highways, backed a temporary, partial pedestrianisation, saying such moves had proved popular with residents and businesses elsewhere in the country.

However, landlords and businesses on the street continued to voice concerns about the potential impact on trade.