Look south for HML site say Skipton objectors

From the archive, first published Tuesday 5th Dec 2006.

OBJECTORS to the plans to build a new headquarters for expanding Skipton firm HML on Gargrave Road in the town called for the company to think again and look at sites to the south of the town.

Several rose at a public meeting held at Skipton Town Hall last night to ask why the plan to build on land to the south of Skipton, around the Waltonwrays cemetery, were not being followed up.

John Moody, chairman of Skipton Civic Society, said the plans went against the Local Plan for Skipton, a supposed framework setting out which bits of land could be used for housing or industry, and which should not be used unless there were "exceptional circumstances".

There was an overwhelming majority against the development, which also includes new offices for Craven District Council.

One Keighley businessman said he was interested that Skipton did not want HML and its 900 jobs, because Keighley certainly did and he would be contacting Bradford Council as soon as possible to try to attract the company south.

And Peter Marshall, from Skipton, said that he had children and he wanted Skipton to look forward and encourage companies such as HML so there would be jobs for the younger generation in Skipton.

However, he objected to the council's attempts to "piggy back" on to the scheme in order to secure new offices for itself.

Colin Walker, from the council's planning department, said even if the council did approve HML's application, it would have to be referred to the Secretary of State. He could "call it in" which could lead to a public inquiry.

Investigations by the Herald reveal that HML has contingency plans to leave the town entirely if the scheme is rejected.

The Herald understands it has been offered significant financial inducements to relocate to other parts of the country but would prefer to stay in the Skipton area, where most of its workforce lives.

900 jobs at risk