Tesco agrees to re-write traffic plan for Harrogate

The supermarket’s traffic plans, laid bare last September, included an overhaul of the town’s transport network to accommodate its coming New Park store.

This would have seen, among other things, Skipton Road made one way in part for up to 10 months from January to allow for a new bridge to be built at Oak Beck.

The plans were brought to a halt in December in the wake of fierce opposition, with North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) stepping in to say a full public debate must be held on the issue.

Teaming up with the Advertiser, the authority said no plans will be passed until residents have had their say.

It has now revealed that it held a meeting with Tesco in January, and the supermarket giant agreed to redesign its traffic management plan.

While it has not yet received the revised plans, NYCC says it is working closely with Tesco’s highways consultants on the detail as well as with Harrogate Borough Council on any impact.

“The county council remains committed, given the impact and level of interest in these works, to work with the Harrogate Advertiser to encourage a public debate and feedback on the proposals which would help inform the decision making process,” a spokesman said. “It also remains committed to the holding of a public exhibition to display the proposals to the surrounding communities to coincide with the public debate.”

Once robust options have been identified, the spokesman added, these will be shared with county councillors in Lower Nidderdale and Bishop Monkton, Harrogate Bilton and Nidd Gorge and Harrogate Saltergate.