A developer has appealed a decision to refuse a plan to redevelop a retail unit on Harrogate’s James Street to create three flats.

The application was made by Leeds-based company SJM Cotech Ltd and included plans to create a three storey extension for the flats to the back of the site and create two ground floor retail units.

The developer revised the plans after submitting them in May 2021, which initially outlined proposals for four flats.

It said in documents submitted to the council that the proposal would help to “deliver a high quality residential scheme” for the town.

However, Harrogate Borough Council refused the plans in February this year.

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The property is located at 16 James Street, near the cut-through to the Victoria shopping centre. It fronts both on James Street and on Market Place to the rear. It was previously home to Thomas Cook, the travel agent.

Council officials said the proposal would fail to enhance or preserve the character of the conservation area.

In a decision notice, the council said:

“The rear historic offshoot is considered a heritage asset. The proposal seeks to remove and replace this without suitable justification.

“The proposal therefore would fail to enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the host building and Harrogate Conservation Area.”

It added that the proposal would “result in poor levels of natural daylight to all apartments”.

SJM Cotech Ltd has since taken the refusal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

A planning inspector will decide on the proposal at a later date.

Oliver Bonas looks set to be unveiled as the latest big name addition to Harrogate’s high street.

The clothing and homeware store is advertising for a store manager and deputy store manager to run a shop in Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret understands it has identified the former Next store on James Street as its home.

There are also rumours that German fashion giant Hugo Boss and USA clothes retailer Anthropologie are considering opening outlets in Harrogate.

The company’s website says:

“We have an amazing opportunity for a store manager to join Team Oliver Bonas in our Harrogate store.”

The salary is described as ‘competitive with benefits’. The website also advertises a deputy store manager vacancy.

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The Stray Ferret has approached Oliver Bonas for further details.

Tom Limbert, director of property consultants Central Retail, said:

“We are very close to letting the former Next store on James Street to a very exciting national lifestyle retailer who will be another great addition to the street.”

Oliver Bonas, which was founded by Oliver Tress, opened its first store in London in 1993. It now has 75 outlets in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The closest ones to Harrogate are currently in Ilkley, Leeds and York.

Pret A Manger has confirmed it will open a shop on Harrogate’s James Street “very soon”.

The Stray Ferret revealed in January the sandwich shop franchise planned to open in what was at the time Messums Yorkshire, a gallery curated by artist Johnny Messum. The gallery is now closed.

Pret has now confirmed a store, creating 15 jobs, is expected to welcome customers by late spring.

Pano Christou, chief executive of Pret, said:

“We’re excited to be expanding our footprint in Yorkshire as part of our wider ambition to bring Pret to more people.

“Harrogate is a beautiful and historic town, bustling with tourists and a thriving community. We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike into our new shop, very soon”.

Pret currently has more than 450 shops in the UK, with the majority in London.

This will be the first Pret in the Harrogate district. It will sell hot drinks, sandwich and grab and go menu.

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Pret will will become the latest in a significant number of new arrivals on James Street over the past few months.

Tom Limbert, director of property consultants Central Retail, which acted for the landlord, said:

“It’s great to finally bring Pret A Manger to Harrogate. They have looked at the town on and off for a number of years but it shows national occupiers still have belief in the town.”

In partnership with The Pret Foundation, the company is also looking for local charities to donate surplus food to at the end of each day. Those interested can contact the foundation on Pret.FoundationUK@pret.com.

This weekend is my favourite time of year – the clocks are going forward! Finally!

And after a glorious week of weather, I think most of us are getting in the mood for summer.

We are finally able to turn our attention to the spring-summer 2022 fashion trends. While we might still need to have a chunky knit on standby, rest assured, balmy eves are just around the corner.

So with that in mind, it’s time to clue up on all the biggest styles, colours, prints and It-pieces set to dominate the season ahead.

And fortunately Harrogate has some incredible clothes shops – both independents and chains – so you don’t even need to travel to get kitted out.

Here are some top picks from three fashion boutiques in Harrogate:

Infinity & Co, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza

Infinity & Co owner Sam Gallagher models her first spring summer outfit choice.

Sheer pink top with tassels: £99

White trousers: £45

Straw bag with statement tassel, sparkly trim and leather strap: £92

Shoes: Model’s own

Sam Gallagher, owner of Infinity & Co boutique, which moved from a pop-up unit to a bigger space at the Victoria Shopping Centre seven weeks ago, said:

“Across the whole of this season we are seeing lots of bright colours coming through and I think we are all ready for that after the last two years.

“What we are seeing as we are coming into summer is the brights are becoming more neon and we have seen a lot of Aztec influence – in bag straps, in embroidery, so this top is a typical example of what we are seeing coming through. We are also seeing the bohemian trend going bigger this year. So this top is a combo of both the Aztec and bohemian trends.

“The white trousers are a “magic pant”, which is a new technology of fabric, which doesn’t go see-through when it stretches, so you can buy a size 10-16. For an independent this is great as it means we can stock a lot more styles. They also have an elasticated waist, which I call ‘lockdown clothing’, so when you are feeling a bit bloated it’s comfortable.

“Then you have this gorgeous straw bag with a statement tassel.”

Joined by Bailey the dog, Sam models her second spring summer outfit choice.

Dress with gold embroidery: £99

Bohemian-style tassel pendant: £28

Shoes: Model’s own

Sam said:

“This is from a new collection that we have got in, which has really pretty gold embroidery and, again, lots of beading.

“I’ve teamed this with one of the bohemian-style pendants, which we have got in loads of different colours. It’s just great for layering.

“It’s so pretty and would be great for going beach to bar or a garden party, or for a drink on West Park.”

Mint Velvet, James Street

Tan casual leather jacket: £299

Bronze sequin ruffle top: £69

Hazelnut Monroe crop wide trousers: £79

Anges white leather saddle bag: £119

Fern gold metallic wedges: £169

Manager Suzie Poole said:

“This year there is lots of tonal dressing with neutrals, such as whites, creams and golds. There is usually some sparkle added to this with sequins. It’s kind of a reaction to the pandemic – casual but with a bit of extra sparkle. It’s about making you feel a bit more special about the outfit you’re wearing.”

Ivory gathered back shirt: £79

Zest chunky v-neck tabard: £79

Utility slim jeans: £89

Camille tone leather loafers: £99

Gold ball pendant: £29

Supervisor Terina Daly said:

“Lime green is really on-trend at the moment and bright colours in general. It just looks really fresh. The lime seems to be a colour that suits everyone, even though people can be scared of brighter colours.

“We have noticed more people coming in since the pandemic saying they need some more colour in their wardrobes.

“Animal print is also huge and it’s coming through a lot in accessories. So if you don’t feel confident enough, you can just wear a headband and have a little pop of print.

“The military trend is still big and these khaki trousers are really popular. We also do them in other colours.”

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Porters, James Street

Universal Works navy bakers jacket: £249

Oliver Spencer navy and cream conduit stripe T-shirt: £85

Universal Works light olive fatigue trousers: £135

Hoffs Bangkok City beige and orange trainer: £99

Carhartt Nomad script bucket hat: £45

Carhartt WIP Vista tie dye socks: £20

Website manager Charlotte Woodhead said:

“This outfit is smart/casual with some nice layering. With the warmer weather coming, it’s nice to have a bucket hat for summer vibes, which you can use to dress down an outfit.”

Traffic People ITJ Cleo animal print jumpsuit: £120

Matt & Nat chili vie vintage bag belt: £70

Rebecca Jones, website assistant, said:

“The jumpsuit is made with a really lightweight fabric, it’s really floaty with three-quarter length sleeves and a wide leg, which is great because if it’s too long it’s really easy to hem up. It has a really flattering waistband.

“Jumpsuits are here to stay as it’s an outfit in one, you don’t have to worry about what you have got on top and bottom.

“They are really smart and easy to wear. You could dress this up with a pair of heels and a nice blazer, or down with a pair of trainers and a leather jacket. We do this jumpsuit in different colourways.

“The bag is made from a sustainable vegan leather. It’s what you would call a ‘bumbag’ and it’s really on-trend to wear them across the shoulder as it’s a more stylish way to wear them. We do them in black as well.”

Police have released CCTV images of four men they want to identify following an attempted theft at the Harrogate iStore.

According to a statement by North Yorkshire Police today, the four men tried to steal items from the Apple retailer on James Street but failed.

It added they ran along James Street towards Princess Street.

The incident took place in December. No precise date has been given.

If you recognise any of them men or have information to assist the investigation you can contact the police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Brendon Frith or contact the officer direct at Brendon.Frith@northyorkshire.police.uk.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The reference number is 12210255167.

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Three companies have been awarded a share of a £20 million contract to help progress major transport schemes in Yorkshire, including Harrogate’s Station Gateway.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which works in partnership with local authorities to improve transport and stimulate economic development, advertised a contract to bring in a strategic development partner for its Transforming Cities projects.

The projects include the £10.9 million Station Gateway scheme in Harrogate, which was approved last month, and similar schemes that promote sustainable travel in West Yorkshire, including a new bus station for Halifax town centre.

Leeds-based companies Jacobs UK Limited, Ove Arup & Partners Limited and WSP UK Limited have now been commissioned to help move the schemes forward.

This includes support to help “ensure that all necessary technical work and tasks are completed to enable projects to complete full business cases”.

Business case earmarked for August

Works on detailed designs of the Harrogate project – which includes reducing a stretch of Station Parade to single-lane traffic and a part-time pedestrianisation of James Street – are now continuing ahead of a final business case being submitted around August.

The business case will then be presented to West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is overseeing the project funding from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

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Subject to its approval, a contractor will then be appointed to carry out the works, as well as similar projects in Selby and Skipton.

The Harrogate gateway scheme is one of numerous schemes being funded by a £2.45 billion central government fund to boost active travel in towns and cities.

Work on the scheme was due to begin in spring this year and take a year to complete. But North Yorkshire County Council, the lead partner, has said work can continue longer. Business groups have expressed concern that roadworks could affect Christmas trade.

As previously reported by the Stray Ferret, following final approval, work on the scheme could continue into 2024 after the Department for Transport advised council officials that the deadline could be extended.

The Harrogate Station Gateway project may have been approved, but the next stages of the £10.9m scheme will be far from straightforward.

It took almost two years of design work and heated debate to get to this stage – now questions are turning to when the vision of Harrogate town centre less dominated by cars could become a reality.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive approved the project last month in the face of a deep divide amongst residents and businesses over what the major changes to several streets will mean for the local economy and traffic congestion.

The council originally said it anticipated construction would start this spring or summer, but it is now being much more ambiguous, saying works “could” begin “later this year”.

It also said construction could stretch into 2024 after initially aiming for completion by the end of 2023.

This uncertainty over when the project could start and finish has drawn further concern from some business leaders who had previously called for the gateway to be halted.

David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate Chamber of Commerce, said now the project is going ahead, it is key that disruption to businesses is kept to “an absolute minimum” when the construction phase eventually gets underway.

He said:

“We were initially told that if approved, work would commence in late spring/early summer, and what I wouldn’t want to see is it commencing in the run up to Christmas.

“When it does start, the message that needs to be communicated loud and clear is that the town remains open for business.

“The project team also needs to consult with the business community long before work starts, and it also needs to be prepared to listen to any concerns that might arise.”

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Works on the detailed designs of the project – which includes reducing a stretch of Station Parade to one-lane traffic and a part-time pedestrianisation of James Street – are now continuing ahead of a final business case being submitted around August.

Objections could lead to public inquiry

The business case will be submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority which is overseeing the project funding from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Subject to its approval, a contractor will then be appointed to carry out the works, as well as similar projects in Selby and Skipton.

Traffic Regulation Orders – which are legal documents needed to introduce road changes – will be necessary for all three schemes and could spark public inquiries if objections are received.

These orders are lengthy processes and can often take several months to complete due to the need for public consultations.

The idea of a judicial review – which would be a court hearing into whether the council’s decision to approve the Gateway was lawful or not – has also been previously discussed by some Harrogate businesses.

This would have the potential to either derail the project or delay it long enough to jeopardise funding.

Reduce congestion

Despite the objections and threats of legal action, the gateway has been well supported by many residents and campaign groups who have hailed it as a positive step to tackle climate change and cut car congestion.

The project also includes improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, with upgrades planned for Station Square and the One Arch underpass, as well the Odeon cinema roundabout and several other streets in the area.

North Yorkshire County Council, the lead partner on the scheme, has continually insisted that businesses, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users alike will see the benefits once the project is completed.

It also said while the construction phase will be a challenge, the authority will try to minimise the impact on traffic and trade.

A county council spokesperson said:

“Although the Department for Transport set an initial completion date of March 2023, the department has advised that completion could extend into 2024.

“The programme is tight, so the flexibility is welcome.

“The county council takes the delivery risk, but will have robust programme management in place and there is a sum for contingency within each scheme’s budget.”

The Harrogate district’s first Pret A Manger looks set to open.

The Stray Ferret understands the sandwich shop franchise will open on Harrogate’s James Street in the unit currently occupied by Messums Yorkshire, a gallery curated by artist Johnny Messum.

It is not yet known precisely when Pret will open but it is believed to be some time in March.

Besides sandwiches, Pret is also known for coffee so its arrival will add to the wide range of options available for caffeine fans.

The landlord of the unit was not available for comment but a well placed source told the Stray Ferret that Pret would be arriving soon.

Photograph: @messumsyorkshire, Instagram

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In the last six months, James Street has seen numerous retail units open and close; Hotel Chocolat opened a cafe in October; this was followed by a new yoga studio Ebru Evrim arriving in the former Laura Ashley building. Harrogate Discount Store is due to close this week.

Pret currently has over 450 cafes in England, with 310 of those in London. Currently, the closest to Harrogate is in Leeds.

Three business groups have accused North Yorkshire County Council of ignoring their views and the opinions of residents during the Station Gateway consultation.

The Stray Ferret revealed yesterday that the county council is set to give the £10.9m project the green light at a meeting on Tuesday next week — even though the latest consultation revealed the majority of respondents feel negatively towards the scheme.

The gateway scheme will see major changes around Harrogate railway station, including single lane traffic on a stretch of Station Parade and  James Street partly pedestrianised to encourage walking and cycling.

In a joint letter to members of the county council’s executive, which has been recommended to approve the scheme, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate Business Improvement District and Independent Harrogate warned that work on the scheme would create ‘another 12 months of major disruption and misery’ for businesses already struggling to get over covid.

The letter adds:

“Sadly, the views of the business community have been continually ignored. As have those of other key organisations, in particular Harrogate Civic Society and residents’ organisations who believe what is being proposed will not bring the benefits being espoused. The Conservative Party, of which you are a member, prided itself on being the party of business. Sadly, this doesn’t appear to be the case anymore!

“For the last two years, town centre businesses have suffered at the hands of the covid pandemic and now you are proposing to add at least another 12-months of major disruption and misery.

“For you it will be easy to support the proposal in front of you, as of next year North Yorkshire County Council will not exist in its current form and some of you may not even seek re-election.

“Before you cast your vote, we urge you to carefully consider the businesses in Harrogate town centre and their collective views.”

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The letter also questions the lack of an economic impact survey and says greater consideration should be given to the travel needs of people who come into Harrogate from nearby villages.

‘Welcome boost’ to town centre

The Harrogate scheme is one of three in Yorkshire being paid for by £42m from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:

“These proposals represent the biggest investment in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton town centres in decades.

“We want to encourage more people to travel by foot, bike and public transport because it is good for health and the environment by promoting fitness and reducing congestion.

“The spending will also provide a welcome boost for our town centres after two difficult years of trading during the pandemic.

“We have listened to feedback from the public consultations and are confident people will be pleased with the results.”

North Yorkshire County Council has confirmed that the £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway will be recommended for approval next week.

The Stray Ferret revealed last week that the county council’s executive was expected to give the green light on January 25.

Now the county council, which is the lead partner for the scheme, has confirmed the executive is recommended to take the proposals forward to detailed design stage so work can start in spring or summer.

It says the move will save shops from decline, make the town centre more attractive and improve the town centre for cyclists and pedestrians.

James Street will be partly pedestrianised and traffic on some of Station Parade reduced to single lane.

The decision comes despite widespread opposition to the scheme from businesses and residents.

The results of the second phase of consultation, published last month, revealed that of 1,320 people who replied to an online survey, 55% feel negatively, 39% positively and five per cent neutral towards the scheme. One per cent said they didn’t know.

Nevertheless the scheme is expected to proceed with only minor amendments.

Read more:

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A report to councillors acknowledges there has been “a general reduction in the level of support for the changes”. It says the main concerns are the negative impacts on businesses, congestion, air quality and the attractiveness, accessibility and safety of the town centre.

It adds that officers believe:

“The proposals will have an overall positive impact on the local economy, air quality and the attractiveness, accessibility and safety of the town centre with a minimal increase in journey times and flows in the worst case traffic modelling.

“It is therefore considered appropriate that the proposals be taken forward through detailed design and implementation.”

The report adds the “overall impact on retail footfall is expected to be positive”, adding.

“Evidence suggests that the town centre retail sector is at risk of decline in the medium term. There is also a growing body of case study evidence which indicates that the scheme will increase footfall and economic value.”

Residents living near the town centre fear their streets will get more traffic.

Extra traffic in residential areas

Regarding concerns that the changes will displace traffic along the A61 Cheltenham Crescent into nearby residential streets, the report says traffic modelling looked at “significant changes (an average change of 3 vehicles per minute or more)”, adding:

“At the worst time of day (the afternoon peak hour) only East Parade experiences a significant increase in flow (5 vehicles per minute).”

The Harrogate scheme is one of three in Yorkshire being paid for with £42m from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:

These proposals represent the biggest investment in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton town centres in decades and aim to increase productivity by making it quicker, easier and safer for people to travel around and connect with economic opportunities.

“We want to encourage more people to travel by foot, bike and public transport because it is good for health and the environment by promoting fitness and reducing congestion. The spending will also provide a welcome boost for our town centres after two difficult years of trading during the pandemic.

“The entire project is a great example of partnership working between Craven District Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Selby District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is set to deliver real benefits to residents and businesses across our county.

“We have listened to feedback from the public consultations and are confident people will be pleased with the results.”