Agenda and draft minutes

To elect a Chair of the Committee, to serve until the first meeting of the Committee following the Annual General Meeting in 2027.

That Councillor Peter Lacey be appointed to the Chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee, to serve until the first meeting of the Committee following the Annual General Meeting in 2027.

That Councillor Hannah Gostlow be appointed to the Vice-Chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

Apologies from Councillors Chris Aldred, Sam Gibbs, Michael Harrison, John Mann, Mike Schofield, and Robert Windass were noted.

To confirm the minutes as a correct record, and for them to be signed by the Chair.

Resolved:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 March 2026, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests they have in items appearing on this agenda, including the nature of those interests.

Councillor Hannah Gostlow declared a non-registerable interest in Minute 7 as the nominated representative of North Yorkshire Council to Renaissance Knaresborough.

Councillor Matt Walker declared a non-registerable interest in Minute 7 as a member of Knaresborough Town Council’s Castle Working Group.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice (including the text of the question/statement) to Edward Maxwell of Democratic Services (contact details below) by midday on Monday 1 June.  Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.  Members of the public who have given notice will be invited to speak:

·        At this point in the meeting if their questions/statements relate to matters which are not otherwise on the Agenda (subject to an overall time limit of 30 minutes).

·        When the relevant Agenda item is being considered if they wish to speak on a matter which is on the Agenda for this meeting. 

If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chair who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak.

Two public statements had been submitted:

·         By Christopher Dunn, in respect of a subject not on the agenda.

·         By Councillor Josie Caven (Harrogate Town Council), in respect of Minute 9.

Statement submitted by Christopher Dunn:

Lucjan Stephan Wilk (90) was killed at the junction of A61 / Knox Mill Lane, 06/11/23.

I wish this committee to thoroughly research the circumstances of the road death, and especially the seemingly hasty road improvements at this bus stop junction.

Please note that:

·         Both original A61 No. 36 bus stops were extinguished/cancelled.

·         7 new road lights were installed, one of which was pointless, as the bus stop it was supposed to illuminate was extinguished.

·         Two new double-posted road junction signs were erected.

·         A new northbound bus stop was ‘erected’ on a blind bend; no bus stop provision for southbound bus users was provided.

Please note that this bus stop ‘area’ serves the south of Killinghall and Harrogate residents of Knox Lane, including school children.

This whole area was recently described as lethal by a planning inspector due to: high illegal speeds; blind bend; high overgrown hedges; hill; major Ringway PROW crossing point; no central island; no pedestrian crossing; no pavement on Chain Beck Lane; and infrequent, if at all, police speed checks.

All these NYC-inspired road ‘improvements’ were created just before the death inquest in March 2025. NYC, in acting seemingly promptly and responsibly, possibly rushed through these perhaps £50,000 improvements. No, or little, consultation with local council/councillors nor the Deputy Mayor occurred.

Crossing/joining this high-speed A61 highway – by car, on foot, cycle, pushchair, and wheelchair – is more unsafe than before at this ‘bus-stopped’ junction.

There is also a high private hedge on the A61 hill bend, not helping vision or radar-activated speed signs.

Note:  a speeding car recently demolished a double-posted road sign next to the new bus stop.

Response provided by the Area Committee:

Thank you for your question.  The Area Committee has requested a written answer from the Highways Team which will be provided to you in writing.  In addition, the response to your question to the Committee on 5 June 2025, on the same subject, is also relevant and a copy will be included with the response for information.

Supplementary Question:

In a supplementary question, the speaker noted that he had supported the bereaved family. Concern was expressed regarding the conduct of the inquest, particularly the perception that findings and decisions may have been predetermined.  It was further stated that the report presented to the inquest appeared to have been prepared in advance, with limited opportunity for challenge or scrutiny of those responsible for its content.

Statement Submitted by Councillor Josie Caven

The speaker unable to attend the meeting to read her statement.  Therefore, it was agreed that the question would be submitted to officers in writing for a response.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) advising members of a petition containing more than 500 signatures which has been received by North Yorkshire Council, and to ask the Area Committee to consider a response.

The Committee received a report relating to a petition concerning the condition of Knaresborough Castle and its grounds.  The petition, initiated by local residents, raised concerns about the deterioration of the castle fabric, including vegetation growth affecting masonry, structural issues, and the condition of paths and viewpoints.  The petitioners emphasised the historic and economic significance of the site and called for transparent, properly funded, and long-term maintenance arrangements, including a clear and costed programme of works, improved landscape management, and enhanced promotion of the castle in advance of its forthcoming anniversary.

In discussing the item, Members welcomed the petition and recognised the strength of local feeling and the contribution of residents in bringing the issue forward.  It was noted that officers were developing a five-year maintenance and investment plan, informed by engagement with Historic England, the Duchy and specialist contractors, with initial works already commencing and further inspection work being undertaken alongside these.  Members raised concerns regarding previous maintenance approaches, the need for appropriate accreditation of contractors, and the importance of transparency, timescales and local accountability.

There was broad agreement that, while the five-year plan was a necessary first step, a coherent and longer-term strategy for restoration, maintenance and use of the castle as a key heritage and tourism asset would be required. Issues relating to accessibility, infrastructure, vegetation management and community involvement were also highlighted.  It was agreed that a detailed report, including the full maintenance plan and associated costs, be brought back to the Committee in September 2026, that Knaresborough Town Council be engaged in the process, and that Historic England be invited to attend for further discussion and to provide responses to any specialist and technical queries that might arise.

Resolved:

That the Committee request that the full maintenance plan be considered by the Area Committee at a future meeting, along with specialist comment from officers and heritage contractors where required.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Local Engagement), providing members with an annual update on the work of the Community Safety & CCTV service in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area.

The Committee received an annual update on Community Safety and CCTV services in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area, outlining delivery during 2025/26 and priorities for the year ahead.  The report highlighted the role of Community Safety Hubs as a coordinated partnership model bringing together the Council, Police and other agencies to address local issues through early intervention and problem-solving.  Key areas of activity included tackling anti-social behaviour in its various forms, the use of enforcement tools and legal powers, and preventative work through multi-agency engagement, particularly with young people.  The report also referenced the development of a countywide anti-social behaviour framework, increased information sharing between partners, and the use of measures such as warning notices, contracts, and property closures to address persistent issues, alongside the continued strategic oversight provided through the Community Safety Partnership.

In discussing the report, Members received a detailed update from Council officers and North Yorkshire Police representatives on community safety activity over the previous 12 months, including the operation of the Community Safety Hub and developments in CCTV provision.  It was outlined that the Hub continues to provide a coordinated partnership approach to tackling complex community safety issues, including anti-social behaviour, neighbour disputes and safeguarding concerns, working closely with housing, environmental protection and other services.  The Hub was described as focusing on more complex and higher-risk cases, with responses ranging from light-touch interventions to multi-agency support, mediation and referrals.  Particular reference was made to ongoing work in Harrogate town centre, including partnership engagement with local businesses, the BID and support organisations to address persistent anti-social behaviour, alongside targeted policing activity, the use of dispersal powers and improvements to CCTV coverage, including enhanced 360-degree camera provision to strengthen monitoring and evidential capability.

Members raised a number of questions in relation to operational delivery and local priorities.  Clarification was sought on the handling of neighbour disputes and the potential introduction of a Public Space Protection Order, with officers advising that such measures required a robust evidence base and that incident reporting was therefore essential.  Updates were also provided on public safety initiatives, including the installation of bleed kits across the area and the development of associated training packages for local businesses and community settings.  Police representatives outlined recent structural changes to neighbourhood policing, including increased investment in officer and PCSO numbers and a strengthened commitment to neighbourhood policing as a core function.  It was reported that anti-social behaviour had reduced overall, alongside improvements in the management of missing persons, and that there had been increased use of enforcement tools such as Criminal Behaviour Orders, Community Protection Notices and dispersal powers.

Further discussion focused on wider strategic issues, including serious and organised crime, child exploitation and county lines activity, with officers emphasising that this remained an active area of work supported by ongoing operations, intelligence-led policing and partnership approaches.  The importance of community intelligence and reporting through all available channels, including Crimestoppers and online platforms, was highlighted as critical to building an accurate understanding of local issues.  Members also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community Development, updating the Area Committee on progress with the development of Town Investment Plans (TIPs) for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, with details on the emerging Harrogate and Knaresborough TIP vision and priority projects, consultation evidence and project prioritisation work and ongoing engagement in Boroughbridge.

The Committee received an update on the development of Town Investment Plans (TIPs) for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, setting out progress to date, emerging priorities and ongoing stakeholder engagement.  The report explained that TIPs form part of the Council’s Economic Growth Strategy and provide a coordinated, place-based framework to guide regeneration, investment and future funding bids across the area.  Work to date has focused on developing a shared vision, gathering consultation evidence, and identifying and prioritising potential projects, with collaboration across public, private and community partners central to the process.  The TIPs are intended to inform business cases and support long-term decision-making, with the overall aim of promoting economic growth, improving quality of life and enabling towns and their surrounding areas to thrive.

In discussing the update on the Town Investment Plans (TIPs), Members sought clarification on progress, governance and next steps, particularly in relation to the Harrogate plan.  Officers advised that work had commenced with a programme of consultation, including workshops and an online survey which had generated significant engagement, with approximately 600 responses.  This feedback, alongside the available evidence base, was being used to develop an emerging vision and identify potential projects.  It was noted that these projects were at an early stage and would require further internal assessment, alignment with existing programmes and, where appropriate, coordination with the Mayoral Combined Authority.  It was indicated that further work on refining priorities would be undertaken over the coming months, with wider public engagement planned for September 2026 to seek views on proposed priorities.

Members placed significant emphasis on governance, ownership and stakeholder involvement as the plans progressed.  It was noted that engagement had taken place with local stakeholders including the Town Council, BID and business groups, and that further collaboration with community organisations would be central to shaping the final plan and securing wider buy-in.  However, concerns were raised regarding overall ownership of the completed plan and clarity around decision-making responsibilities, particularly in relation to the respective roles of the Council, elected Members, advisory groups and external partners.  Members highlighted the need for the plan to reflect local priorities and for elected representatives to retain appropriate oversight and accountability.  Questions were also raised regarding transparency, including the composition and role of the Programme Board and Advisory Group, and the importance of clearly communicating how stakeholders were being engaged.

Further discussion focused on delivery, coordination and funding.  Members highlighted the need to avoid silo working across Council services and partner organisations, emphasising the importance of aligning related areas such as tourism, infrastructure and parking.  Officers advised that work was underway to assess the deliverability of proposed projects, including engagement with internal departments and the development of a strong evidence base to support future funding bids.  It was noted that a large number of initial project ideas were being carefully reviewed to identify a smaller number of realistic and deliverable schemes, supported by clear criteria.  Members emphasised that the basis on which projects were prioritised would be critical to maintaining confidence  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive a report of the Corporate Director (Environment), outlining a comprehensive service reset for Street Cleansing operations.

The Committee received a report outlining a proposed comprehensive review of street cleansing services as a key element of improving the public realm across North Yorkshire.  The report set out proposals to modernise service delivery, introduce consistent operational standards and performance measures, and improve overall cleanliness and environmental quality.  It highlighted that current arrangements are fragmented, with responsibilities split across multiple services including Waste, Highways, and Parks and Grounds, leading to inconsistencies, duplication and reduced local accountability.  The proposed changes aim to better integrate these functions, including closer alignment between road cleansing and highways operations, in order to deliver a more coordinated and effective service.

Members acknowledged that fleet reliability, particularly mechanical sweepers, had been a challenge, with investment and replacement programmes now underway.  Officers confirmed that greater coordination with highways services, including aligning road sweeping with gully clearance, would form part of a more integrated approach.  Members welcomed the ambition to move away from informal, knowledge-based routing towards planned and monitored service delivery, enabling a more preventative and efficient model, although it was noted this would take time to implement.

Members broadly supported the direction of travel, particularly the consideration of place-based teams to reduce fragmentation and improve accountability across services.  Issues raised included the need to avoid silo working across different functions, improve bin provision and emptying arrangements, and address seasonal pressures such as leaf fall through more responsive and flexible planning.  The role of community groups and volunteers was highlighted, with support for improved engagement and coordination with local initiatives.  Suggestions were also made to explore reporting mechanisms such as QR codes for bins and to consider local solutions, including composting for leaf waste.  Overall, the Committee welcomed the proposed reset while emphasising the importance of coordination, responsiveness and clear communication as the changes were implemented.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

To consider the Annual Report of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee, reviewing the work of the 2025/26 municipal year.

The Committee received the Annual Report of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee for 2025/26, which provided an overview of the Committee’s role, activity and achievements over the previous year.  The report noted that Area Committees act as a forum for local democracy, enabling public engagement, consultation on policies and scrutiny of local issues, while supporting improved service delivery and accountability.  It summarised that the Committee had met formally on four occasions during the year and had also received a range of updates and briefings to support its work.

The Chair welcomed the report and placed on record his appreciation for its preparation, as well as for the ongoing support provided to the Committee.  It was noted that there had been an increase in engagement from residents, including the submission of petitions and raising of local concerns, which was viewed as a positive reflection of the Committee’s openness and accessibility.  Members also highlighted their role in providing constructive challenge to officers and in contributing to wider discussions about the Committee’s powers and potential, expressing a desire to continue developing its effectiveness and maximising its role in representing local communities going forward.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

a)    to ask members to consider the Committee’s work programme and amend it as required.

b)    to inform members and the public of work undertaken since the last Committee meeting, including informal meetings and working group sessions.

c)    to inform members of progress made on issues raised during and since the last Committee meeting.

Resolved:  That the Work Programme be approved, subject to:

a)    A report to be considered at a future meeting on the Knaresborough Castle maintenance plan, as resolved at Minute 7.

b)    A report to be considered at a future meeting on the governance and oversight of the Town Investment Plans, as resolved at Minute 9.

Thursday 24 September 2026, at 10:00, at the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, St Luke’s Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 2AE.

The date of the next ordinary meeting of the Committee, on Thursday 24 September 2026 at 10:00 am, was noted.