• New poll finds zero public support for the Harrogate College redevelopment plan
• More than 75% of respondents unaware of council’s imminent planning committee vote
• Almost 98% extremely concerned about severe parking chaos during and after construction
• More than 80% back alternative solution proposed by local campaign

A damning new survey has revealed overwhelming public opposition to the proposed £20 million redevelopment of Harrogate College, as councillors prepare to vote on the plans today.

The poll, carried out by the RE:VISION – Harrogate College campaign, led by Hornbeam Park Developments, gathered responses from residents living near the site, as well as students, staff and members of the wider community.

Of those surveyed, not a single respondent supported the scheme. In fact, an overwhelming 94% said they were opposed and more than three-quarters said they had no idea the council’s planning committee was meeting today to decide the project’s future.

The survey also uncovered deep fears over the parking chaos the plans would create, with almost 98% describing themselves as ‘extremely concerned’.

During construction, just 12 parking spaces would be available for nearly 1,000 students and staff, forcing overflow parking onto neighbouring streets and the already over-capacity Hornbeam Park Station.

Even once the new building opens, only 105 spaces are planned – far short of what’s needed – leaving residents to suffer years of traffic disruption, potentially blocked driveways and overcrowded roads.

David Waddington, spokesperson for the RE:VISION – Harrogate College campaign will say to the planning committee today that there are huge sustainability problems with the proposed scheme and there is a better solution.

 He added: “Our survey results bear this out and are a clear red flag that the current plans are out of step with the community’s needs. Not only is there zero public support, but most people weren’t even aware how close we are to locking into a proposal that isn’t fit for the future.

“Once this gets the green light, it will be very difficult to undo the damage – and that’s exactly why we’re calling for an urgent rethink. We’re not against investment in the college, we just want to make sure that investment is right.”

Beyond parking, RE:VISION – Harrogate College has also raised serious concerns about the financial and strategic implications of the redevelopment plans.

Central to the group’s objections is the proposed demolition of the college’s main teaching block – which was refurbished just eight years ago using millions of pounds in public money. Tearing this building down, the campaign warns, will slash millions from the site’s value and, by extension, the public purse.

Additionally, the college plans to replace it with a smaller facility funded by over £16 million of taxpayers’ money – a move the RE:VISION  campaign argues will lock the college into a space that cannot accommodate its growing student population or long-term ambitions.

David Waddington added: “Demolishing a building that’s already been upgraded with public money, only to replace it with something smaller, makes no sense. It’s bad value, bad planning and bad for Harrogate’s long-term educational needs and aspirations.”

While the survey revealed widespread opposition to the current redevelopment, it also found strong support for RE:VISION’s alternative plan.

More than 80% of respondents said they welcomed the campaign’s suggested solution to build the new facility on vacant, high-potential land – which is controlled by the Department for Education and directly adjoins the existing campus – rather than demolishing the main building.

According to the RE:VISION – Harrogate College campaign, this alternative would:

• Deliver a purpose-built, future-ready space capable of supporting the college’s growing student population
• Preserve the existing main teaching block, allowing it to be sold on the open market to recoup value and help fund the new build
• Save millions in public funds
• Ensure ample on-site parking during and after construction, protecting nearby residential streets from overspill traffic

David Waddington said: “There’s a smarter way to do this – one that protects public investment, supports future growth and avoids years of disruption for local people. Our alternative plan delivers all that…and it already has strong support from the community.

“There is still time to ring the bell on these unwelcome plans, reflect and back a smarter path forward – one that truly delivers for staff, students and the wider community.”

The objections of RE:VISION – Harrogate College – along with the views of the local community – will be presented by David Waddington at today’s planning committee meeting.