Blow to campaigners as Tesco poised to open store in spa town

If a decision is made by Harrogate Council to provisionally approve the plans it will signify a giant leap forward after a lengthy planning process which has rumbled on for almost four years.

The news is set to come as a huge blow to campaigners who have long spoken out against over the plans for a 24-hour store on the site of the former gasworks at New Park.

But Tesco corporate affairs manager Matthew McGee, who maintains the scheme has the support of 70 per cent of the public in the area, said the recommendation was proof the supermarket giant had got the application “absolutely right” and the town was backing the store.

He said: “We’re pleased to be at planning committee with a recommendation for approval. It’s been obvious all along that residents in Harrogate want this new store. Over 220 people have written to the council in support of our application.

“We’ve worked hard to get the application absolutely right and it’s been a long process, but we’re pleased to be at this stage and are hopeful that councillors will approve the application.”

If passed, the plans, which were revised and resubmitted last year following fears over safety and traffic problems, will then be deferred to the acting head of Planning Services for final approval.

This will be subject to a number of conditions, including the provision of a new bus service and the protection of the Post Office and pharmacy at Jennyfields shopping centre.

It will then be referred to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which has the ability to ask the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, to call in the application. A public inquiry would then be held by a Government planning inspector.

But owing to the size of the scheme, even if the HSE chooses to approve the plans, the decision will still ultimately lie with Mr Pickles who will consider whether a public inquiry should be called.

Harrogate Council’s leader, Coun Don Mackenzie, said: “The Tesco application is coming to our committee on Tuesday. My first thought is I’m very pleased it is now finally coming to committee after a long period of discussions with the officers. It’s a big application so we need to do it properly and I’m pleased we have finally reached this stage.”

The council’s planning committee meeting, which is being held especially to consider the Tesco application, will allow objectors and supporters to speak for six minutes each, rather than three.

Coun Mackenzie said he expected it to be a heated meeting but hoped Harrogate residents would respect the “behaviour expectations” of the committee. “I intend to go to it myself as I would like to be there to witness what will be a key decision for the town,” he said.

Mr Magee said he expected the plans to be approved as he believed the scheme would dramatically improve the town’s road network rather than clog it up as some protesters have argued.

He added: “The road improvements we’re making to both Ripon Road and Skipton road mean that traffic will be able to get in and out of the store easily, whilst for commuters there won’t be any significant delays in passing the site. Importantly there will be fewer cars on the wider road network as residents in North Harrogate will be able to shop on their doorstep rather than travelling across town.”

Meanwhile, a Ryedale district councillor has pledged to call in an application to build a supermarket in a Malton car park if a council gives permission for the controversial scheme. Coun Paul Andrews, who represents the Malton ward, will write to the Secretary of State if Ryedale District Council agrees to push ahead with the development on the town’s Wentworth Street car park.