Our armed services are key members of the community– and I am in awe of their selflessness and sacrifice in keeping our country safe. I would like to give particular thanks for their most recent work in supporting the nation during the coronavirus pandemic. Ripon, in particular, has had a long association with the military and I am eager for this heritage and tradition to be protected. Previously, I led efforts for clarity over the future of Claro and Deverell Barracks in Ripon following the Army Basing Review. After the announcement, I held a summit to discuss the Barracks' future with interested parties.
As part of its Defence Estate Optimisation programme and the “Better Defence Estate” strategy, the MoD announced in November 2016 that both barracks sites in Ripon – Claro Barracks and Deverell Barracks – will be vacated and used for redevelopment.
In February 2019, Homes England and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation announced a partnership to manage the vacation of the site. Homes England’s vision for the site is to create a new neighbourhood within Ripon – integrated within the city and providing a connected and well-designed addition to the city. It is aimed that the site will produce 1,300 high-quality new homes for Ripon.
The Outline Planning Application for proposals to redevelop Ripon Barracks was validated by Harrogate Borough Council on 3rd September 2020. The planning application reference number is 20/02973/EIAMAJ. A summary of the proposals contained in the planning application can be downloaded here. This will seek to secure the principle of the development, i.e. the number of homes and the amount of other associated uses including the amount of open space. Construction is not expected to begin until the sites have been fully decommissioned by the MoD. A decision on the outcome of the planning application is anticipated in 2021.
I have been clear that the redevelopment must take into account the concerns of local residents, including regarding traffic and transport infrastructure. I have represented these concerns to all the relevant bodies and I am keen for Homes England to engage with the community as much as possible. I am in regular contact with North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Homes England and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
Five public engagement events were held over the summer, attended by over 400 people, followed up by 2 further events in early October to respond to initial feedback. A series of engagement events have also been held with stakeholder groups, such as Ripon City Council, Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council in their capacity as Highways Authority.
A Strategic Oversight Board was established to manage the strategic vision for the site – with representatives the Local Enterprise Partnerships, Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council contributing to shaping the project.
For more information please visit: http://riponbarracks.hyas.co.uk
