THE re-development of the land west of the Market Place in Ripon has taken a step nearer with the news this week that Harrogate Borough Council has granted the necessary planning permissions for this major scheme in the heart of the City.

 

The developer, Maple Grove Developments Limited and North Yorkshire County Council are already in negotiation to purchase the majority of the site but there are other parts needed to complete their proposed scheme and also for the new road.

 

Councillor Richard Cooper, Cabinet Member for Planning, said:  "To bring this development and the subsequent planning permissions to this stage was very much a team effort.  I would like to thank everyone involved from the developers and North Yorkshire County Council and, of course, there has been a huge input from Harrogate Borough Council and Ripon City Partnership.

 

Maple Grove is delighted to have received formal planning permission for their flagship scheme of 60,000 sq ft (gross) development in Ripon City Centre.  This incorporates a 30,000 sq ft foodstore for Booths, also provides some 17,000 sq ft of other retail space together with 8,000 sq ft community space/flexible space at upper level for mixed use and 29 apartments.  It will be served by a 185 space public car park and a new link road from Blossomgate to Coltsgate Hill.

 

Councillor Cooper added: "The issue of planning permission is an important step in bringing this major £15 million investment to reality and opens the way for the next phase of the development process, which involves acquisition of the remaining land required.  Whilst it is hoped that this can be done in full agreement with all the land owners concerned, we have agreed that we will use compulsory purchase powers should they ultimately be required.

 

"Booths the major interested party is still very much backing the scheme.  Other major retailers are also expressing an interest in the other shop units, which form part of the scheme.  We are also seeing enquiries and proposals from owners and occupiers of surrounding premises with a view to improving their properties.  Hopefully this means that in time, as well as the new supermarket and car park, there will be significant improvements to surrounding properties, which is excellent news for the commercial good of Ripon."

 

The earliest date for commencing building operations would be February 2006 but it is accepted that this could be delayed if the compulsory purchase procedure is ultimately required."

 

Ripon Motor Club and the Girl Guides who both have premises on the current site have been catered for on the first floor of the retail units.  But the council is investigating other premises for them, which would free the first floor for other uses.

 

There will be disturbance during the construction, particularly with the loss of car parking which has taken place over a large part of the site for many years.  Fifty spaces are to be retained for public use during construction and Harrogate Borough Council has recently granted planning permission for parking in the Ripon Mart.  This will be long stay car parking and for coaches so that the present coach park can be made available for more car parking.  The Borough Council is also currently investigating the provision of multi-storey car parking for the city to in increase capacity for the future.

 

ENDS