The Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee of North Yorkshire Council met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee approved the installation of access control bollards, planters, and block paving at the former Council offices at Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, and granted permission for the change of use of a dwelling house to a children's residential placement home at 22 Ashgarth Court, Harrogate.

Former Council Offices at Crescent Gardens

The committee discussed the planning application for the installation of access control bollards, construction of planters, and block paving at the former Council offices at Crescent Gardens, Harrogate. The application, submitted by Impala Estates, aims to enhance the public realm and provide a more attractive frontage to the building. The proposal includes the installation of bollards to restrict vehicular access while maintaining pedestrian and cycle access.

Concerns were raised by local residents, represented by Rebecca Oliver from the Duchy Residence Association, about the loss of parking spaces and the potential long-term impact on public access. Councillor John Mann highlighted the need for careful consideration of the traffic implications and the adequacy of parking provisions. Despite these concerns, the committee approved the application, noting that the stopping up order required for the road closure would be a separate process handled by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Children's Residential Placement Home at 22 Ashgarth Court

The committee also considered the application for the change of use of a dwelling house to a children's residential placement home at 22 Ashgarth Court, Harrogate. The proposal, submitted by Julian McKay, aims to provide a home for up to three children aged 11 to 18, with a maximum of nine staff members.

Local residents, represented by Richard Bannister, expressed concerns about the suitability of the property and its location, citing issues such as the size of the rooms, the lack of nearby amenities, and the potential for increased traffic. Councillor John Mann also raised concerns about the adequacy of the accommodation and the impact on the local community.

Despite these objections, the committee approved the application, subject to conditions, including the restriction of the use to a children's residential home only. The committee noted that the suitability of the property for this use would be further assessed by Ofsted, and any changes to the use would require a new planning application.

For more details, you can refer to the public reports pack and the specific documents related to the applications: ZC2303697FUL Former Council Offices Crescent Gardens Harrogate North Yorkshire and ZC2400887FUL Oak Back 22 Ashgarth Court Harrogate North Yorkshire HG2 9LE.