Harrogate business park set for expansion
Unanimous approval from North Yorkshire Council has confirmed the construction of 10 industrial units at the Harrogate West Business Park, following revisions to address environmental and infrastructure concerns.
Designed by SPX Architects for Teakwood Developments and DS Estates, the scheme has been supported by ID Planning.
The proposal includes one unit to accommodate the expansion of Envirovent, which currently occupies a unit on the existing phase one site, while the remaining nine units are intended for new or relocating businesses.
The development, accessed from Burley Bank Road and situated immediately north of Penny Pot Lane opposite the Army Foundation College, will provide approximately 135,000 sq ft of commercial space.
The scheme is an extension to the existing business park, however it falls outside the formal development limits of Harrogate and as such, does not strictly comply with Local Plan.
However, a shortfall of suitable employment sites within the Harrogate district is one of the reasons behind the greenlight, alongside high levels of market interest.
Revisions made during the application process addressed concerns raised by consultees and updates included site layout adjustments, landscaping plans, traffic assessments, drainage and flood risk strategies, biodiversity net gain information, and measures to protect veteran trees on site.
Speaking at the meeting today, Daniel Martin, director of Teakwood Developments, said: “Phase two [of Harrogate West Business Park] will secure significant investment, creating a substantial number of new jobs and generating approximately £750,000 a year in business rates for the council.
“It aligns with the aims of the NPPF, supporting existing firms to expand and adapt, and provides a clear strategic fit with North Yorkshire’s economic strategy by enabling sustainable growth.”
Cllr John Mann said: “We need to find more jobs for the area, or we won’t be able to sell all the housing … There’s a very good case for supporting this development. We need economic growth, we need jobs.”
