Following a Public Inquiry into the Order, which last September heard representations against its adoption, the council has heard this week that the Secretary of State has approved the Order in the detail the council was seeking.

 

Work on the £15m scheme to create a new supermarket and four shop units, as well as 21 apartments and 180 space car park, is now set to start in May this year. 

 

The development will be linked to the city centre by walkways onto the Market Place West and Fishergate.  It will be linked to the road network by a new section of road from Blossomgate and Coltsgate Hill.  The new road will cost £950,000 and will be funded by North Yorkshire County Council (£800K), Harrogate Borough Council £100K and Ripon City Partnership £50K

 

Speaking after hearing that the CPO had been confirmed, Harrogate Borough Council Leader, Mike Gardner, said:  "This development is of prime importance to the City of Ripon and therefore to Harrogate Borough Council.  Although we do not lightly seek compulsory purchase powers, we felt that we must lend this development every support we could.  Many of the landowners have already entered into agreement with the developers, Maple Grove Developments, but by having the necessary powers in place means we are ready should they be needed and this will help limit any further delay on progressing with this whole scheme. In fact for the first time this now allows them to set a firm start date."

 

On behalf of North Yorkshire County Council, County Councillor Peter Sowray also welcomed the decision.  "It will be an opportunity to improve traffic circulation in this area of Ripon as well as a chance to bring about much needed improvements to the junction of Coltsgate Hill with North Street.

 

Once the legal process required by the granting of compulsory powers is dealt with, a firm programme for the re-development, including overall timing, phasing of works to minimise the impact on Ripon in general, but the immediate surrounding areas in particular, will be announced.

 

 

 

 

Neil Ward, Director of Maple Grove Developments, with responsibility for the project commented:  "While there is still much to do in actually delivering the proposed scheme, the decision to confirm compulsory purchase powers, added to the planning consent already obtained, means that we can plan for a start on site in about May of this year.  Throughout our involvement with the site, we have benefited from the overwhelming support of the public and all interested parties for the re-development which we have been regularly reminded is perhaps the last key site in Ripon in need of re-development.  The co-operation of the Borough and County Councils in particular has been vital.  We are delighted that everyone's efforts over the last few years appear to have paid off. 

 

Councillor Andrew Williams who represents the city on the Borough Council said:  "There is no doubt that this is the final piece in the re-development of the city centre.  This site has been derelict for as long as I can remember, in fact I used to walk across it on my way to school.  So getting this land re-developed and brought into proper use is a major boost.  It also offers great potential for retail and employment prospects and it offers the perfect chance to get some of the road problems sorted as well.  Coupled with the provision of a proper car park in place of the potholed and rough parking area we see today, together with the Borough Council's announcement that it intends to seek additional car parking for the city is all a major boost to its regeneration. 

 

"Harrogate Borough Council is taking note and acting on what Riponians want and this is a very clear example of the Borough Council's support for city."   ENDS