New plans for £22m green technology hub submitted

A previous application for the new hub on Hornbeam Park was approved by the council in April last year.

The £22m redevelopment of Harrogate College into a green technology hub is set to be approved, despite a successful legal challenge.

Planning officers at North Yorkshire Council are expected to recommend the scheme be greenlit when councillors meet on Tuesday.

A previous application for the new hub on Hornbeam Park was approved by the council in April last year.

However, the decision was challenged by Chris Bentley, owner of Hornbeam Park Developments, on the grounds that the council had not considered whether an environmental impact assessment was needed.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a judicial review upheld the appeal and quashed the original planning application.

The updated plans are now due to be presented to councillors to make a fresh ruling.

If approved, the work would see the main college building demolished and a new hub built to train students in green technology.

The proposals include a mock hospital ward, a digital technology suite and an electric vehicle workshop.

The hub would help train the local workforce, according to college principal Danny Wild

The council has received 37 objections to the original scheme, including concerns about parking for staff and students during the construction phase and after the work has been completed.

However, the latest plans include several changes to the initial proposal, with a reconfigured car park layout with spaces for 110 vehicles and a new drop-off and pick-up area with a one-way system.

An updated landscaping scheme is also proposed, along with a revised solar panel layout on the roof of the main teaching block.

In a report, planning case officer Kate Broadbank said the proposed redevelopment was acceptable and met local plan policies.

'Meet evolving demands'

Funding for the work has been pledged by the Department for Education, but it was feared the legal challenge would threaten the release of the money.

However, Harrogate College bosses confirmed this week that ministers had agreed to extend the deadline.

College principal Danny Wild said: "Our college plays a unique role in training the local workforce and our sustainable new base will enable us to take this to another level as we equip learners, of all ages, with the expertise they need."

It is hoped the hub will open in summer 2026.

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