Anyone who would like to ask a question or make a statement at the meeting should email notice of their wish to do so, including the full text of what they intend to say, to Mark.Codman@northyorks.gov.uk as soon as possible, and by midday on Monday 11 September 2023 at the latest. Speakers are each asked not to exceed 3 minutes’ speaking time and to read out only the statement/question of which they have submitted notice, without adding to or altering it. No person may submit more than one question or statement. No more than one question may be asked, or statement made, on behalf of one organisation. The overall time available for public questions or statements is 30 minutes.
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Minutes:
Public Questions and Statements
There were a number
of statements that had been submitted to the Committee that related to items on
the agenda, these would be read out when the agenda items were considered.
The following
statement concerned an item not on the agenda and was read out by Malcolm
Margolis on behalf of Harrogate District Cycle Action:
Councillors, we are
asking you for the good of our town to save Harrogate Station Gateway. Along
with many others we think the plan is very beneficial. Some of you think the
same, some don’t, or rather you agree with some of it, but not with key
elements, notably making Station Parade one lane and pedestrianising
part of James Street.
Whichever view you
take, and whatever reasons some of you have for opposing it, we are asking you
to consider what happens if the £11m is returned unused, apart from the £2m
apparently already spent on consultants. It would, we suggest, be pretty
certain that North Yorkshire Council’s already low level 1 rating with Active
Travel England would drop further to level zero, making future funding for
active travel projects unlikely for years to come. Nor do we believe the
Council would or should keep either the money or its rating if it scraps those
key elements which reallocate road space in favour of active travel.
Andrew Jones MP, who
himself has mixed views about Gateway, wrote to me in June ‘I am pleased it has
not stalled nor fallen foul of the often inaccurate and vociferous criticism it
has received. It is important local authorities can show they can deliver
projects, and this is a big test for North Yorkshire Council. Station Gateway
will boost NYC’s rating to two or perhaps even three. This in turn helps their
chances of accessing more Government funding. I hope construction will begin at
the earliest opportunity. As the councillors noted we have done enough talking.
It is time for some doing.’ End of quote.
This £11m was
awarded to improve the public realm and sustainable travel to the town and its
rail and bus stations. There are many other changes on which most of us would
agree. Making West Park and Parliament Street two way might be one, creating a
first class cycling and walking network, better buses and bus lanes, enabling
us all to use our cars less where possible. To have a realistic chance of
getting funding for such things you must show you can deliver. The Council has
already failed to deliver funded schemes on Oatlands Drive, Victoria Avenue,
the A59 at Knaresborough, Otley Road and has abandoned the Beech Grove filter.
This record was certainly a factor in the Government’s rejection of its recent
active travel bids. It would be a massive disservice to Harrogate to now dump
the £11m Gateway scheme as well. As Andrew Jones appreciates, this is a massive
test and crucial moment for your council.
The judicial review
claims there should have been a public inquiry. If so, it seems an extraordinary
error by the council. We suggest you ask for deadlines to be extended if
necessary to enable an inquiry to be held and other substantive issues, if any,
to be resolved without delay.
Mark Codman (Democratic Services) read out the following statement on behalf of the Committee: The committee notes the statement from Harrogate District Cycle Action, the project is being considered by the Executive on the 19 September and ACC members will be able to consider the next steps as appropriate following the Executive meeting.