New spa town business park set for green light

Outline plans for a major 130,000 sq ft business park in Harrogate which could support more than 500 jobs have been recommended for approval.The decision to grant outline permission for a scheme incorporating 116,250 sq ft of grade A office accommodation alongside two 5,650 sq ft units for light industrial or distribution use has been deferred to the chief planning officer with a recommendation for approval.The proposals for Beckwith Knowle Business Park, which were drawn up by Seven Architecture, relate to an 8.5-area site located off Beckwith Head Road opposite Cardale Park Business Park, roughly two miles from Harrogate town centre.The plans are due to go before Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee on 26 September.The land, which is currently in agricultural use, has been identified as “being appropriate for employment creating opportunities”.As well as the jobs the end-development could support, the construction phase would create more than 100 jobs, according to the application.ID Planning has also submitted plans for the development of a 36-bed mental health inpatient facility on land adjacent to the proposed business park.Replacing the Briary Wing at Harrogate District Hospital, the in-patient facility would provide 18 beds for adult acute requirements and a further 18 beds for persons of older age including dementia care.