Ricky Durkin

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Take That

This Life

Listen Live Podcasts

Expansion of Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre set to go ahead

Wednesday, 6 December 2023 00:00

Plans have finally been approved to expand Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre in Hampsthwaite.

Expansion of Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre set to go ahead

Plans have finally been approved to expand Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre in Hampsthwaite.

The garage has been planning to expand for two and a half years but had been unable to obtain planning permission.

But North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon planning committee have finally given plans the go-ahead, much to the delight of Simon Graeme and his team.

He said via social media:

“We did it! We are so proud and so happy to announce that today we got the go ahead for the expansion.
“Tonight we raise a well-awaited glass of cheers. Here’s to a very busy exciting 2024!”

The current garage is located within the Nidderdale AONB, which has strict planning laws.

The proposed new building, which will house two MOT bays and five servicing bays, sits on land just outside of the AONB.

[caption id="attachment_91326" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre.[/caption]

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.
“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”.

Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre has operated at Graystone Plain Lane off the A59 for 30 years.

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News

Works to start on James Street in Harrogate

Essential electrical works are due to start on Harrogate's James Street next month.
Harrogate Paralympic powerlifter to represent Team GB

A para powerlifter from Harrogate is heading to Paris next month to represent Team GB in the Paralympic Games.
Ripon classic car gathering to return this weekend

The annual Ripon Classic Car Gathering is returning this weekend.
'A bad idea': Ripon council objects to lower speed limit on A61

Ripon City Council will object to proposals to reduce the speed limit on the deadly A61 from 60mph to 50mph.
Olympics to be screened at Victoria Shopping Centre

The 2024 Olympics are set to be screened at the Victoria Shopping Centre in Harrogate.
Harrogate cyclists set off on 600km fundraising trip to Paris

A group of Harrogate cyclists have set off on their epic 600km fundraising trip to Paris.
Harrogate care home shortlisted for national luxury care award

Fairfax Manor Care Home in Harrogate, part of the Lovett Care Group, has been shortlisted in the prestigious Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Awards 2025.
Amateur Harrogate football club helps men kick excess weight

A Harrogate football club that encourages overweight and obese men to get fit and adopt healthy lifestyle choices has helped local men lose 1,000 pounds of excess weight in three years.
Harrogate charity ball raises £14,000 to combat loneliness in older people

A charity ball held in Harrogate earlier this month has revealed that more than £14,000 was raised to combat loneliness in older people.
Harrogate's new MP speaks in Parliament for first time

Tom Gordon, the new Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, made his first intervention in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
New Harrogate outpost launched off coast of Africa

Harrogate International Academy (HIA) has officially opened its first international branch in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.
Maltkiln developer updates proposals for 4,000-home settlement

Caddick Group has submitted updated proposals to the council for its 4,000-home Maltkiln scheme.
Harrogate bus firm awarded world's top quality and safety benchmarks

Harrogate-based bus firm Transdev has been awarded three globally-recognised benchmarks for quality, sustainability and safety.
Knaresborough choir set to perform at prestigious London venues

The Choir of Knaresborough's historic Parish Church of St John the Baptist are making the final preparations for their summer tour to London next weekend.
Three teens arrested after violent incident in Bilton

Police have made three arrests following a violent incident in Bilton last night (Wednesday).
Residents battle developer at 53-home Knox Lane inquiry

At a planning appeal inquiry this week a determined group of Harrogate residents battled the developer hoping to build 53 homes at Knox Lane.
Popular village pub near Knaresborough is put up for auction

The Tiger Inn in Coneythorpe near Knaresborough is to be put up for auction next month with a guide price of £275,000.
Alice in Wonderland trail launched in Ripon city centre

A number of Alice in Wonderland-themed items have been hidden at businesses around Ripon city centre for the summer holidays.
Ripon's Passport Scheme returns for the summer

After a hugely successful debut over the Christmas period, Ripon BID's passport scheme is making a comeback this summer.
Popular Harrogate venue to host family events throughout summer

A much-loved Harrogate venue is hosting six weeks of family events during the school holidays.