Council in U-turn on former police HQ proposals
PLANS TO turn North Yorkshire Police’s Grade II-listed former headquarters into a residential training centre faced an uncertain future last night after a council reversed its earlier decision to approve them.
Hambleton District Council said it had quashed the decision it made last year to give the green light to PGL Travel Ltd’s application at Newby Wiske Hall.
The proposal, which came after North Yorkshire Police announced it was to move to more modern premises, was fiercely opposed by many local residents.
The council said yesterday that its planning permission and listed building consent decisions had been challenged in the High Court, with protesters asking them to be overturned on five grounds.
It said it agreed with two of these grounds, based on the impact on the setting of the listed building, and agreed the decision ought to be reheard.
Deputy chief executive Mick Jewitt said: “On balance we agree with some of the legal points raised and rather than go through a formal High Court hearing which costs time and money we have agreed to the decision being quashed and that the issues are looked at again when Planning Committee reconsiders the applications.”
The proposals involved converting existing buildings for use by pupils and teachers on school trips so they can take part in adventure activities and excursions.
The building was sold by police commissioner Julia Mulligan to PGL subject to contract, meaning the firm would not take ownership of it until planning permission is granted.
Mrs Mulligan said last night: “I note the decision by Hambleton District Council and will watch with interest as the new planning application process gets underway.”