Campaigners appeal over Station Gateway ruling

The Harrogate Station Gateway scheme, pictured in an artist's impression, will proceed to the next stage after the court ruling

A campaign group is appealing a High Court ruling allowing changes to be made to a North Yorkshire spa town.

Earlier this month, a judge dismissed a legal challenge by campaigners to try and stop plans progressing for the £12m Harrogate Station Gateway project.

The development would see changes to bus station access, a new bus lane on Station Parade and new cycling infrastructure.

Campaigners said the scheme was "ill-thought-out", while North Yorkshire Council said it would improve the town centre and provide better access to public transport.

The original version of the development was significantly watered down last year with plans to pedestrianise James Street being abandoned after local opposition.

However, David Waddington, from the Get Away campaign group, said many people still objected to the scheme.

"It is not well thought-out, it has health and safety issues connected to it and people that are disabled have further to walk."

David Waddington says campaigners have a "robust case" to appeal the ruling

Although the council said the project was about making the town greener and encouraging people to use public transport, Mr Waddington said many residents who lived in more rural parts of the town could not rely on buses on a regular basis.

"It very much was a design that was done, in our opinion, to reduce car parking substantially, which is going to affect the issue of retail success very much.

"We are now appealing against the decision.

"It may take eight to 10 months but as far as we're concerned, we've got a robust case.

"I think, ultimately, we will win the battle."

Councillor Malcolm Taylor, the authority's executive member for highways and transport, said: "After many months of uncertainty, we welcome the court's clear and unequivocal ruling in favour of the council on all five grounds.

"This decision not only vindicates the thorough and transparent process we followed, but also allows us to move forward with confidence."

The council said a final report on the scheme was due to go to the council's executive in October.

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