Campaigners have launched legal action in a bid to stop the £12m Harrogate Station Gateway Scheme.
Members of the Get Away campaign say they have instructed lawyers to challenge North Yorkshire Council over its issuing of traffic regulation orders last month.
The orders paved the way for a range of changes, including alterations to bus access into the bus station, with a new bus lane on Station Parade, new cycling infrastructure between Bower Road and Station Bridge and improved pedestrian accessibility.
Improved pedestrian and vehicle movements with linked signals and the improvement of public spaces at One Arch and Station Square were also planned.
Harrogate business owner Steven Baines, spokesperson for the campaign group, said the council had failed to consider the full impacts of the proposal and to consult fully with the public which mean the orders were illegal.
Get Away is now organising its own survey to gather feedback on the scheme and is also embarking on a publicity campaign to encourage traders to speak up against the plans.
Mr Baines said:
“North Yorkshire Council may have shied away from consulting with local businesses so we are facilitating our own consultation to give us a voice.
“As the UK economy continues to worry the business community, the extra financial pressure from the disruption this scheme will cause could be the final straw for many Harrogate traders.
“North Yorkshire Council should scrap this project to allow our business community the best possible operating environment to provide much-needed goods and services to the people of Harrogate and further afield now and in the future.
“Where is the over-arching business support for this scheme? Where is the economic impact assessment which shows the benefits this will bring for our businesses and where is the open dialogue with traders? The answer is nowhere.”
Campaign group members and businessman, Barry Adams, claimed there was a “growing feeling” that the council had wanted to push the scheme through without fully considering the best interests of businesses.
He said:
“The engagement has been poor, to say the least. Traffic regulation orders were inconsistently displayed and missing key information and the plans were not made available as they should have been in the local library and online.
“We are all for investment in the town but it must be the right investment which makes a positive impact for Harrogate, creates growth and helps local businesses thrive.”
North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said:
“We have received a pre-action protocol letter in respect of the Harrogate Transforming Cities Fund traffic regulation orders approval decision in December.
“We will provide the necessary information and respond to the claims made in the letter.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
