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.
If you are asking a question or making a statement at this meeting but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chairman who will instruct those taking a recording to cease whilst you speak.
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.