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.
Storm Bert brings snow disruption
Painting by local artists unveiled at Harrogate Hospital
Theme revealed for Great Knaresborough Bed Race 2025
Harrogate's North Pole Post Office returns for festive season
Grants still available to improve shop fronts and accessibility in Harrogate
Details revealed for Otley Christmas lights switch on
Harewood House stars in new national Range Rover advert
Molly-Mae Hague spotted at luxury Ripon hotel
Super volunteer clocks up 200 hours of community work at just 14
Harrogate Theatre's Beauty and the Beast set to open next week
Light up a Life service returns to children's hospice
Ripon Food and Gift Fair to return tomorrow
Roads around Ripon market square to reopen following resurfacing
Italian restaurant in Harrogate named among UK's top 100
Trains struck 97 objects in past year – with some items 'deliberately' placed on tracks
Ripon businesses set to host late night shopping event
Harrogate woman with MND creates charity recipe calendar
How Harrogate health and wellbeing services have helped transform lives
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival to return to Ripley for sixth year
New denture clinic opens in Harrogate
