Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Meat Loaf

I'd Lie For You (And That's The Truth)

Listen Live

Council approves staff accommodation plan at Follifoot equestrian centre

Friday, 5 January 2024 08:00

North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to convert stables at Follifoot Park Riding Centre into accommodation for staff.

Council approves staff accommodation plan at Follifoot equestrian centre North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to convert stables at Follifoot Park Riding Centre into accommodation for staff. The stables that will be converted into a one-bedroom flat are currently home to three horses. The proposal will also see a barn extended to replace the space lost in the conversion. The family-run equestrian centre near Harrogate has been in operation since 1986 and offers riding tuition for beginners to advanced riders. It’s also home to the Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group and Follifoot Park Young Riders club. The centre has 36 stables, an indoor arena, outdoor flood-lit menage, function and teaching rooms, as well as a simulator horse to practice riding. However in a statement submitted to the council by applicants Mr and Mrs Pedley, it says the business does not offer significant salaries so an accommodation package is important for staff retention. It will mean staff can be on site around the clock to check on horses and deter thieves. According to the statement, there was a recent incident at the centre where three men in balaclavas attempted to steal a quad bike and there have been numerous other break-in attempts. The statement added:

“The application property would be offered to one of the three full time staff members who currently commute from outside the Harrogate district and cannot afford to move closer due to house prices. “This would then provide two full time members of staff on site and alleviate some of the pressure of the applicant’s family to cover such a significant operation.”

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News

Local Hero Awards 2026: Meet the finalists

The Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards return this week to shine a light on the selfless, dedicated and inspirational people across the Harrogate district.
Police appeal after man makes 'sexual gestures' in Ripon

Police are appealing for information in relation to a public order that occurred in Ripon city centre.
Yorkshire voters would reject MPs who back 'holiday tax', major poll shows

Over half (54%) of people in Yorkshire oppose the Government's proposed holiday tax, according to a major new poll.
Harrogate charity Horticap hits the road in new electric vehicle

Harrogate horticultural charity Horticap is going even greener after securing sponsorship for a new electric van from developer the Banks Group.
Harrogate IT provider wins prestigious King's Award for Enterprise

Harrogate-based IT provider Techbuyer has been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.
Funding secured for new men's mental health programme in Harrogate district

A new partnership programme designed to support men's mental health across Harrogate district has secured funding from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.
Knaresborough Castle repairs finally set to get underway

Reparation and restoration works are finally set to get underway at Knaresborough Castle, according to a local councillor.
Opening date delayed for new-look Furlong and Furrow

The opening of the newly rebranded Furlong and Furrow near Ripon has been delayed by an extra week.
Boutique women's fashion brand opens new Harrogate store

A boutique women’s fashion brand has opened its doors in Harrogate town centre.
Football stars visit Harrogate school to inspire next generation

Two international football stars have shared a first-hand insight into their successful football journeys with pupils at a Harrogate school.
New café opens on Cold Bath Road

A brand new café has opened on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate.
Harrogate student to run length of Britain after losing father to brain cancer

A student from Harrogate is preparing to run the length of Britain, raising vital funds for a charity working to find a cure for the brain cancer that killed his father.
Knaresborough Town Women win West Riding League Cup

Knaresborough Town Women sealed a memorable cup win after winning the West Riding League Cup in dramatic fashion.
Rudy's Harrogate welcomes 7,000 customers in first month

Rudy's Pizza Napoletana has revealed more than 7,000 guests have visited its new Harrogate restaurant in its first month.
'The ambition doesn't stop' - Town boss reacts to relegation from Football League

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver has called on the club to bounce back after it was relegated from League Two.
Sir David Attenborough pens letter to Harrogate school ahead of conservation day

A Harrogate school is launching a new annual conservation event after receiving a personal, handwritten letter from Sir David Attenborough.
Mindfulness teacher to launch unique new course in Knaresborough

A local mindfulness teacher is preparing to launch a new course in Knaresborough ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Maximum taxi fares to be reviewed in light of hike in fuel prices

Plans to revise the maximum cost of taking a taxi in North Yorkshire are set to be considered in response to calls from the trade.
North Yorkshire Council leader faces challenge from former mayoral candidate

The Conservative leader of North Yorkshire Council is facing a challenge to his position from a former executive committee colleague.
Funding set to be discussed to stage Tour of Britain cycle race

Funding to stage one of British cycling's biggest events will be discussed by North Yorkshire councillors this month.