Harrogate Town AFC withdraws plans for new £2.75 million training ground due to flood risk
A statement has been issued by Harrogate Town AFC regarding the proposed new training ground facility at Wetherby Racecourse following recent speculation surrounding the project.
Harrogate Town AFC had previously submitted plans for a new £2.75 million training complex featuring grass and 3G pitches, a clubhouse, gym, offices, changing rooms and dining facilities.
The development was also intended to support the club’s academy, women’s teams and community programmes.
However, during the planning application process, representatives behind the scheme said they were recently informed that the Environment Agency would object to the current application due to updated flood mapping data affecting the site.
The revised information, which became available after the original application had been submitted, now places the proposed clubhouse within a flood zone where such development is considered incompatible under current planning regulations.
According to the statement, the issue had not been identified during either of the two pre-application consultation periods and only came to light in recent weeks, coinciding with the end of the football season.
A spokesperson at Harrogate Town AFC said: “To proceed, we were advised by our Planning Consultant team to withdraw the application within the given deadline of April 30 to avoid a refusal on the application and to then re-submit a new application once revised plans have been considered that will meet the new requirements.
"We hope that helps clarify the current position and will update on any progress.”