Councillors have deferred making a decision for a new MOT and servicing building at a garage near Hampsthwaite.
Councillors defer decision on Harrogate garage expansion Councillors have deferred making a decision for a new MOT and servicing building at a garage near Hampsthwaite. North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton & Ripon planning committee met in Skipton yesterday afternoon to consider the application by Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre, which has operated at Graystone Plain Lane off the A59 for 30 years. But despite the scheme being recommended for refusal by a planning officer due to its impact on the open countryside, councillors agreed the expansion would help support a long-running local business and boost the rural economy. Ripon councillor Andrew Williams said the Nidderdale AONB should be a place for people to live and work and “not a museum for townies to visit on a weekend”. However, before a final decision is made councillors asked for more details to be submitted around planting, drainage and renewable energy. [caption id="attachment_81634" align="aligncenter" width="667"] A CGI image of the proposals at Simon Graeme Auto Service Centre.[/caption] The current garage is located within the Nidderdale AONB, which has strict planning laws. The proposed new building, which would house two MOT bays and five servicing bays, sits on land just outside of the AONB. A previous plan for a larger building was refused by officers in January but Nathan Hull committee chair and Conservative councillor for Washburn & Birstwith said there was a local need for the garage in the area. The plans have received 55 messages of support and just one objection. Cllr Hull said:
“My understanding is there’s a need for this garage and they’ve outgrown the site. Some proposals are great, such as having a study area for apprenticeships. "There’s not a moratorium on any development within the AONB. People who live in the AONB have a need for employment and access to services”.Mr Graeme told councillors that the new building would future-proof his family business and allow it to service and repair electric vehicles. He said he has an ambition to create the first “green garage” in North Yorkshire. Mr Graeme said:
“Location is the most important part. We’ve been there 30 years and proved that the service is very-much needed in the rural area. "We provide jobs for local people which helps to support the rural economy. Opportunities will increase with our expansion”.Councillors unanimously voted to defer the application pending more details on drainage, planting, solar panels and type of materials used. By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Brand new local voucher platform set to launch next week
Town striker leaves for Lincolnshire
Harrogate MP praises care staff after being hospitalised with ulcerative colitis
Harrogate Town launch new initiative offering exclusive memorabilia
Date revealed for return of Harrogate Beer Festival
Harrogate Ladies’ College appoint Head of Design Technology for new era as Duchy College
RHS Harlow Carr unveils plans for new Lakeside Kiosk
Harrogate businessman convicted following illegal burning of waste
Taxpayers facing multi-million-pound bill to keep waste plant legal
Lineup revealed for Harrogate's 'Love to Be' music festival
Harrogate men take on marathon challenge in memory of 'inspirational' friend
Harrogate man jailed for eight years following knife attack
Harrogate SO! Bar launches 'Eat out to Help Out' scheme
North Yorkshire Police faced with losing 21 officers to balance budget
Ripon amputee completes Whitby steps and raises £10,000 for charity
Nominations now open for Harrogate's Hospitality & Tourism Awards
Two-tier leisure membership scheme set to be introduced in North Yorkshire
Harrogate College students celebrate artwork at new mental health building
Meadowside school to run Knaresborough Bed Race to raise vital funds
Harrogate's Harry Gray scores first senior goal to spark Rotherham fightback
