Ripon Cathedral from Studley Royal World Heritage Site

8. MAIN URBAN AREAS: What opportunities are there for improving green infrastructure in the main urban areas of , and Ripon?

8.1 Through work with Natural England and adjoining authorities on green and the open countryside for access and biodiversity, to improve the infrastructure mapping in 2009 (see section 5) it became clear that setting of key tourist attractions and heritage assets, improve the more detailed work on green infrastructure opportunities within the shopping and business environment and to help to attract more main urban areas of Harrogate district was required. inward investment.

8.2 This section includes an assessment of the main urban areas of 8.4 The guide does not identify specific projects, however it provides Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. The opportunities maps a starting point for applicants and developers that can underpin provide information about the key characteristics of the settlements proposals for development. Applications for development within and indicate green infrastructure opportunity areas and important Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon will be expected to green corridors. The accompanying text explains how development contribute to the delivery of the opportunities identified within the urban areas can contribute to enhancing green within this section. infrastructure.

8.3 The majority of key opportunities within the main urban areas are focussed on the need to strengthen links between the town/city centre

p. 50 Green Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Document Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate 1. Harrogate Town Centre * Station Parade * International Conference Centre * Bower Road * West Park

2. Coppice Drive to Skipton Road

3. Skipton Road to Haverah Park

4. Valley Gardens to Beckwithshaw

5. Station Parade to Follifoot

6. The Stray to

7. West Park to

©Crown copyright and database rights 2014. Ordnance Survey 100019628 Priorities: Context: through the Nidd Gorge northwest of Harrogate and via the town of Knaresborough then The following green infrastructure priorities have Harrogate’s gardens and green spaces are an meandering eastwards, ultimately joining been identified for Harrogate town taking into important component of the quality environment the River Ouse at Nun Monkton. consideration the characteristics of the settlement within the area and they give the town its own and other green infrastructure work undertaken distinctive identity. These areas help to create The Harrogate bypass acts as a barrier to the at the regional and sub-regional level: an attractive setting, which has benefits in terms connectivity of the Crimple Valley corridor to n Improved linkages between the town of attracting tourists, shoppers and investment Spofforth and the landscape to the southeast centre and open countryside; of Harrogate, but the green wedges cut into the to the town as well as promoting accessibility, n Better connectivity between the retail and healthy living and important links for biodiversity. urban area at Oak Beck, Oakdale Golf Course conference areas from Station Parade; and Valley Gardens to the west and provide good n Quality of place and transformation Harrogate occupies a large plateau which access between town and country. To the east of the public realm; descends to the valleys of the Oak Beck to the lies the green wedge at the Bilton Triangle and n Enhancement of the historic environment; north, northwest and west, the Crimple Beck to to the south at Hornbeam Park the green wedge and the southwest, south and southeast and Star links into central Harrogate via The Stray. Beck to the east. The Crimple Valley, which is n Enhanced green infrastructure corridors part of the wider regionally important corridor The town is bordered by The Stray that extends for biodiversity and accessibility. rises to the southwest of Harrogate, adjacent in a great arc to the southeast and southwest Taking into consideration these priorities the to the Haverah Park area. It runs south of of Harrogate and this plays an important part in following green infrastructure opportunity areas Harrogate and via Spofforth to join the Wharfe providing a highly attractive setting and approach have been identified on the Harrogate Green corridor at Wetherby. This river corridor links to the settlement. The Stray and Valley Gardens Infrastructure Opportunities Map: into The Stray in the centre of Harrogate via were important in the historical development of 1. Harrogate Town Centre Hookstone Beck and its associated green wedge the town, as were the Turkish Baths, Health Spa n Station Parade and the Royal Pump Rooms. at Hornbeam Park. The river corridor comprising n International Conference Centre Star Beck and Rud Beck also forms important n Two important focal points for tourists in the Bower Road linkages to the north of the area and lies in close n West Park town are the area around the roundabout in proximity to the Harrogate Ringway footpath. Low Harrogate, framed by the Crown Hotel, 2. Coppice Drive to Skipton Road The passes to the north and east of Royal Parade and the bottom of Montpellier Hill, 3. Skipton Road to Haverah Park Harrogate and it is part of the wider regionally and Prospect Square dominated by the 4. Valley Gardens to Beckwithshaw War Memorial and surrounded on three important River Nidd corridor, which originates 5. Station Parade to Follifoot in the uplands of the Nidderdale AONB and sides by St Peter’s Church, Cambridge Crescent, 6. The Stray to Starbeck passes close to lower dales villages such as and Prospect Crescent. , Ripley and Nidd before passing 7. West Park to Pannal Ash

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate p. 53 Further information about these opportunities n Providing better connectivity to is provided below: the retail and shopping areas; n Improving connections to the 1) Harrogate Town Centre conference centre; and There are many opportunities in Harrogate to n Creating an attractive approach plan public realm improvements to enhance the to the office and business areas natural and built assets and help to improve links e.g. West Park and Victoria Avenue. for biodiversity. There is also scope to plan for Any green infrastructure opportunities for the improvements to the streets and open spaces Station Parade area would need to be considered that are directly related to the shopping potential alongside other relevant aspirations and of the town as well as its civic and tourism role. priorities, for example, the land at Station Parade In relation to pedestrianised areas, the most Station Parade, Harrogate Development Brief approved by the council as successful streets are those where landscape Station Parade: Supplementary Planning Guidance (May 2005). treatment and green infrastructure is simple and Station Parade between Bower Road and York There are numerous historic and spatial focal uncluttered and where human activity provides Place presents a key opportunity for creating and points within this area, which offer opportunities the life and vitality. improving green infrastructure that enhances the setting and connectivity of this key gateway to the for enhancement to encourage better open space Street tree planting is important to provide town for those arriving by bus, rail, bike or car. connections. The Harrogate Conservation Area softening and to frame key views across the This may also bring positive benefits in terms Appraisal arrives at a like-minded conclusion with shopping areas and to provide shelter and shade. of encouraging investment. regard to visual connections across the area There is a lack of new tree planting in this part of and notes that: Harrogate to succeed existing planting and new The improvement of green infrastructure in this ‘A new ‘point de vue’ opposite the end of tree planting will help improve the setting key area could then be expanded to include Cambridge Street would benefit the townscape.’ of buildings and diversify the age structure routes linking to key locations to help direct of trees in the area. visitors and commuters efficiently to key places of Victoria Gardens provides an opportunity to interest such as the shopping areas, conference reinvent this formal civic space. The square Tree planting in combination with street furniture venue and office and business areas. The could benefit from a more pared down scheme can provide a high quality alfresco experience following are considered to be key opportunities to increase the feeling of space which may help with planting for cover and can encourage an within this area: to maximise its use and encourage more social attractive and inviting setting where people n Linking the town centre to the open interaction. The introduction of a focal point can make informal use of the space and countryside e.g. via open space such as a water feature in this area could give interact with each other. and key cycle routes; emphasis to the importance of Harrogate as a Spa town.

p. 54 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate One of the most significant open spaces within This area does provide scope to become a key the town centre is Crescent Gardens and focal or ‘point de vue’ within the town. this open space plays a vital role in bringing the business and tourism trade together into one combined area. There is an opportunity to provide better linkages between Crescent Gardens and the Royal Pump Room and to improve interpretation of the Spa history for visitors as well as tourism generated from business events. Green infrastructure improvements to this area could help to enhance Harrogate’s role as an events destination as well Harrogate International Centre as a leading Spa town. International Conference Centre:

Harrogate International Centre is a key asset The Montpellier area was some time ago a typical Bower Road, Harrogate of the town. Creating an environment that ‘backland’ area to the town, however the recent enhances this asset through good connections rebuilding of the Royal Baths II and repaving Bower Road: A greater part of this area to the north of the within the public realm and high quality open of the streets and ginnels with natural stone town is in residential use, although it includes spaces will help to secure the continuing setts and flags have complemented the historic hotels and guesthouses. It is bisected by the prosperity of Harrogate as an international character of this area. The Montpellier area, now Harrogate-York railway line, which is crossed by conference destination. known as the Montpellier Quarter provides a very two roads (Bower Road and Skipton Road) and attractive and welcoming environment for tourists two footpaths (one an underpass and the other a The public realm around the Conference Centre but its ability to assist with wider key linkages footbridge from the southern end of Grove Road). comprises Crescent Gardens framed by the from Crescent Gardens to West Park Stray has council offices, St. George Hotel, the not been fully explored. There are some impressive streets coupled with Royal Hall, Hall M, the Royal Baths and the visually important buildings and a number of long terrace on the south side of Crescent Road. The junction with Parliament Hill is the place in significant local views with many street trees that There are a number of opportunities within the the town where the shopping experience crosses maintain an attractive consistency of character. outdoor spaces to inject more design coherence over with the conference trade. This junction with However in some areas there are opportunities and to improve linkages to the shopping and its many safety barriers, traffic lights and signage to improve the setting of commercial buildings, tourism destinations around Montpellier Hill and provides a key opportunity for improvement in garages and entrances to supermarkets Parliament Street in particular. For example, a order to be more welcoming for shoppers and and car parking areas. simple landscape enhancement project using a visitors to the conference centre and to create pallet of high quality natural materials and street better links along Crescent Gardens, to the Valley Bower Road provides an opportunity to create trees could give a much stronger identity to Gardens, the Pump Rooms and Montpellier Hill. linkages across the railway line to the town’s the area.

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate p. 55 additional parking areas as the railway is including commercial, educational, residential bordered by Station Parade to the northeast. embanked and carried by a bridge over and professional establishments. This area is home to a number of businesses Bower Road and Bower Street. There are other and there is an opportunity for improvement car parks within the town particularly at the The area supports some major hotels around by creating green infrastructure to improve the cinema, the coach park behind Asda and on the Prospect Square and Low Harrogate with a townscape, in particular to the open car park. corner of East Parade, that would benefit from number of interspersed churches and chapels. The businesses in this area have the benefit green infrastructure improvements to improve The most impressive and distinctive buildings of the West Park Stray but there are also their setting. are the three convex crescents comprising Cambridge Crescent, Prospect Crescent and key spaces within the ‘backland’ area that Many visitors walk through this area to reach Royal Parade. These buildings conceal the more play a valuable contribution in terms of wider their destination at the conference centre or the modest streets behind. connectivity to the station and the town centre. shopping and tourist areas. Retaining a high A better physical connection with the library could quality environment should be a key priority in A key attribute of this area is that it stretches also be beneficial in terms of future potential for this part of town to improve the overall arrival between Prospect Place and the Prince of this area. The small square to the east of the experience for visitors. Wales roundabout and is considered to be the library is attractive and there is scope for better ‘quintessential’ part of the town. This area plays quality green infrastructure in order to improve ‘centre stage’ in the heart of the Harrogate tourist the use of the space and the setting of the library area as it defines the highly prestigious image building and the western side of the square. of Harrogate. With well-designed shopfronts Another attractive open space is the small area using quality materials this is an elegant part of between Albert Terrace and Station Parade. the town and represents an import ‘gateway’ to Harrogate for those travelling from Leeds. The West Park Stray closely links with Valley Gardens via the sweep of attractive The area mostly fronts on to the West Park buildings forming Montpellier Hill and also Stray with its open expanse of grassland. There provides links with the attractive civic space are many distinctive and mature trees with framed by Cambridge Crescent, St. Peter’s impressive views across The Stray towards the Church and Betty’s opposite. attractive backdrop of Beech Grove. Some of Montpellier Hill, West Park, Harrogate the buildings face onto The Stray and have front Links between West Park and Valley Gardens West Park: gardens, some quite long, bounded with low walls are one of the most important opportunities This area contains a varied mix of uses including or hedges with many trees giving the buildings a to explore to ensure that there is good open high quality shops centred on the Montpellier greater presence in the street scene. space connectivity to the shopping areas in the Quarter, ‘Prince Albert Row’, James Street, Montpellier Quarter. Visitors to West Park Stray The area provides an attractive ‘promenade’ West Park and Parliament Street. There is are likely to be drawn towards the Montpellier concealing the narrow streets of terraces and also a wide variety of other uses in the ‘back Quarter for a simultaneous shopping and parking areas that lie in the ‘backland’ areas land’ areas and to the south of Victoria Avenue visitor experience.

p. 56 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate including the well-treed open space on the corner 3) Skipton Road to Haverah Park of Kings Road and Coppice Drive, formerly the Haverah Park is mostly owned by grounds of Brandreth House. This open space Water and there are three reservoirs in the could be made more attractive with the provision upper reaches of the two valleys: Beaver Dyke of more under-storey planting and seating Reservoir along Oak Beck and Scargill and areas. The small grassed and treed areas Ten Acres Reservoir. There is a good network at the junction of Alexandra Road and Kings of footpaths across the corridor and parts of Road, and of Bower Road and East Parade Haverah Park and the Forestry Commission are also important open spaces. Overall, these owned Stainburn Forest are open access. spaces offer scope for improvement in order to encourage the community to make better use of This area is part of the ancient deer park of them and improve connections across the area. Haverah, site of ’s Castle and Portland Crescent, Harrogate originally one of the royal parks of the forest of 2) Coppice Drive to Skipton Road The area to the south is dominated by the Knaresborough. The valley has a rich network of Holiday Inn and to the north the notable habitats including ancient woodlands, open water The area around Coppice Drive offers key landmark building is the attractive St. Luke’s linkages to Skipton Road, via Oak Beck and and wetlands. This is an attractive area and its Church on Kings Road. There is potential to connection with Harrogate makes it an important the former gasworks site. The former gasworks enhance the lower parts of Kings Road at the site is a key wildlife corridor with an ecologically rural to urban link valued by both local residents junction with Alexandra Road and to make better and tourists. rich water course and the open beck provides links between Coppice Drive, Kings Road and an important wooded corridor in the area. New the conference area. The Oak Beck forms part of the Haverah corridor, planting and better access in this area could which is part of the wider regional corridor and is improve links for biodiversity and for local centred on the valleys of Scargill Beck and residents. Oak Beck, which flow eastwards from the edge Measures could be explored, as part of any future of the Nidderdale AONB towards Harrogate. proposals for development within this area, to The Haverah corridor is one of district help to enhance existing green infrastructure importance, since it connects the Washburn and the de-canalisation of the watercourse. Valley corridor in the west with the Nidd and New planting with improved footways would be Crimple corridors in the east and sits between one opportunity to enhance landscape character the raised plateau of Forest Moor to the north and biodiversity in this corridor. and Sandwith and Stainburn Moors to the south.

There are a number of open spaces that The Oak Beck corridor lies at the urban fringe contribute to the character of the overall area and there are important green wedges The Hydro swimming pool, Harrogate

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate p. 57 which extend right into the heart of Harrogate. Links with RHS Garden Harlow Carr from the Oak Beck runs at the foot of Birk Crag Local Valley Gardens are a key tourist draw. RHS Nature Reserve, alongside Oakdale Golf Course Garden Harlow Carr links in from open and into green space near the Hydro in the countryside to Harrogate through the Pinewoods urban area. and Valley Gardens in turn linking with The Stray at Low Harrogate and the Montpellier Quarter. In turn Moor Country Park south of Jennyfields links into open space through that There are opportunities to improve habitat as well estate along Saltergate Beck, which in turn feeds as pedestrian connectivity in this area to explore Oak Beck. Killinghall sports ground has potential access, recreation, wildlife corridors, Sites of to provide improved opportunities and extended Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) access to sport for the local community with the and landscape character to ensure that these potential to bring wider health benefits functions complement each other and act as a Valley Gardens, Harrogate to the area. network of green infrastructure. 5) Station Parade to Follifoot This corridor provides a vital link with the The enhancement of this corridor could also There is potential to provide linkages from countryside and the wider AONB. There is improve links to Nidderdale from Harrogate. Station Parade via the green wedge at an opportunity to enhance physical linkages Hornbeam Park, since southwards from the town between the western urban edge of Harrogate RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Valley Gardens there are links across The Stray via Hookstone and Haverah Park to provide better accessibility and Moor Park all have a key influence on the Drive. The area is drained by Hookstone Beck for the local community and visitors. character of the area and the attractive landscape which emerges from the ground at Hookstone setting of these important assets could be Road and which links into the green wedge to There are three sites around the west of the town enhanced and maintained. the southeast and joins Crimple Beck. To the that are considered suitable for urban extension. south of Hookstone Road a bridlepath connects The Cardale business park lies to the southeast Further information about the green infrastructure Oatlands Drive to the Crimple Valley corridor of the corridor and there are opportunities to opportunities for these sites is set out in the and the Yorkshire Showground. The Yorkshire make better connections for people working urban extension section of this SPD. Showground includes the Yorkshire Events and living in the area. Improvements to access Centre and the site is expansive offering space and screen planting to help the business park for large scale events with large areas of car 4) Valley Gardens to Beckwithshaw integrate with existing woodland and trees at the parking and views across the Crimple Valley. Valley Gardens is an important registered park urban edge could be of benefit to the landscape within this corridor protruding from the urban setting of the settlement and improve the The corridor follows Oatlands Drive and serves edge. The gardens significantly contribute to attractiveness of the working environment. as a key green route to the town centre from the the setting of the town and provide valuable Crimple Valley, since it is essentially tree lined links with the countryside.

p. 58 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate over most of its length. Trees bordering the Another linear corridor providing a key part Opportunities exist within Starbeck to create new railway line which forms a triangle with of green infrastructure is the disused railway spaces to revitalise previously underused areas Rayleigh Road and Hookstone Road are line linking Harrogate to Wetherby. Between and to attract new visitors and investment to the landmark trees that also contribute to the Spofforth and Wetherby the track forms part of area and also improve the quality of life for quality of this green infrastructure corridor and the National Cycle Network 67, however there those living there. Hookstone Road is an old road traversing the is no public access along the track between There are potential links from The Stray to of Knaresborough. Spofforth and Harrogate. There are opportunities to link this cycle network into the town centre Starbeck via the Bilton Triangle and the disused Two schools lie within the area: St Aidan’s to enable better cycle connectivity to the north railway tracks within the Nidd Gorge, which C of E High School and St John Fisher Catholic ultimately linking with the Bilton to Ripley could help increase accessibility from the urban High School and their open playing fields disused railway corridor. fringe into the wider countryside. For example contribute to the character of this green a bridleway is being created along the disused infrastructure corridor. The former Convent of Better connectivity in this area could also railway between Bilton and Ripley, which links the Holy Child and Gate Lodge is also in close ultimately enhance linkages with the Nidd via north to the Ripon railway corridor. There may proximity to this corridor and is set in extensive Plompton Rocks to join the Nidd with the Crimple be further opportunities to improve access to the wooded grounds, which contribute to the via Birkham Woods Site of Special Scientific gorge on the north bank near Knaresborough attractive character of this area. Interest (SSSI) to the north. from Starbeck and there are opportunities to provide landscape improvements around There are also extensive views of The Stray Bilton Lane to enhance linkages to the from this corridor in particular from the northern Harrogate Ringway and Knaresborough Round part of Oatlands Drive. Apart from the Stray public footpaths also linking to schools in there are no significant open spaces in the the area. character area except the bowling green on the eastern side of Tewit Well Road. There are no Improved cycleway access through the Bilton strategic pedestrian routes across the area, but Triangle could be a key initiative to enhance the wooded railway corridor provides a valuable linkages into the centre of Harrogate from corridor for biodiversity. Starbeck. Footpaths and cycleways could be improved to provide all year round usage. The viaducts are important features in the Crimple Valley landscape and views framing There is also an opportunity to enhance the them are critical to preserve the attractive and The Stray, Harrogate wooded character of the Bilton Triangle and distinctive landscape character of the area. 6) The Stray to Starbeck urban edge at Starbeck, with improved woodland Views of these features on approach to the This area provides scope to enhance the physical management, infilling of hedgerows and the settlement are particularly important as well as environment and assist with social well-being planting of new trees along the field boundaries. views to other historic buildings within this valley. through improvements to green infrastructure. Parkland trees within fields could also enhance

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate p. 59 the landscape setting of the settlement and 7) West Park to Pannal Ash and make the area the most important in terms biodiversity. Improvements to the quality of The West Park Stray provides an area of of ‘sense of arrival’ to the town centre from the footpaths/green lane surfaces on Bilton Hall Drive valuable recreation open space as well as a outlying countryside. and Bilton Lane to make it accessible to all users highly distinctive setting for this part of town, and finding improved links through to the new This green corridor is cut through and constrained including sports use for the nearby schools. This by main roads through the town (especially Leeds Bilton to Ripley Cycleway are key opportunities part of The Stray also acts as a significant green to build upon. Road and Otley Road) but the area is reinforced corridor linking the centre of Harrogate to the by street trees and footpaths and cycleways that countryside since the area provides linkages to are generally tree lined. Suburban gardens also key residential areas on the southwest side of provide substantial greening. Harrogate linking to Rossett and Pannal Ash. The area is virtually co-joined to the outlying There are opportunities to improve this link as countryside by this sinuous green corridor, which a significant wildlife corridor by enhancing land links ultimately with the former Police Training alongside playing fields at Harrogate Grammar Centre (a site considered suitable for a mix of School, Rossett School, Rossett Acre Primary market and affordable housing). School, Ashville College and the Police Training Centre, incorporating the Rossett Nature Reserve The open character of The Stray in this part of and the SINC north of Whinney Lane. There town is particularly important to those arriving are potential opportunities with from Leeds and Otley. Not only does the County Council (as local education authority) The Stray, Harrogate openness contribute to the character of the area, in linking to school activities. There is also scope for green infrastructure to but it also allows the attractive buildings at the enhance the public realm in Starbeck. The high edge of town to be viewed at a distance. These street is directly connected to the rail network are perhaps the most iconic views of Harrogate and many opportunities exist to make the area an increasingly attractive place to live and work.

p. 60 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Harrogate Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough 1. Knaresborough Town Centre * Railway Station * Bus Station * Castle and Bebra Gardens * Tentergate and Waterside * High Street

2. Market Place to Goldsborough

3. Knaresborough Lakes

4. Riverside to Scriven Park

©Crown copyright and database rights 2014. Ordnance Survey 100019628 Priorities: Context: Ripley and Nidd before passing through the Nidd Gorge northwest of Harrogate via the town of The following green infrastructure priorities have Knaresborough has a strong cultural heritage Knaresborough before meandering eastwards, been identified for Knaresborough taking into including the Castle, a beautiful riverside setting ultimately joining the River Ouse at Nun Monkton. consideration the characteristics of the settlement and views and can be largely divided into four and other green infrastructure work undertaken distinct character areas that give the town its The river enters Knaresborough at the Nidd at the regional and sub-regional level: special qualities: Gorge as it cuts steeply through limestone and n Improved links between Knaresborough n The Castle Environs; sandstone sediments. The heart of the Nidd town centre and the river corridor; Gorge is marked by dramatic viaducts at Bilton n The Market Place; n Increased biodiversity by wider and Knaresborough. These are separated by n enhancement of the river corridor; The High Street; and ancient and plantation woodland (owned by n Improved attractiveness of the area n The Riverside. the Woodland Trust) and by the grounds of for tourism and investment; The Nidd is a regional corridor originating within Conyngham Hall. The river corridor provides n Increased recreational cycling and an important means of access to the countryside the AONB and one of the key functions of this walking; and strategic green infrastructure corridor (R8) is to for the urban populations of Bilton, Starbeck n Encourage people to linger longer promote economic growth and tourism. and Knaresborough. in the outdoor spaces. The key green infrastructure functions of this The River Nidd corridor combined with the corridor include recreation, education and Taking into consideration these priorities the attractive towns of Harrogate and Knaresborough accessibility including the promotion of access following green infrastructure opportunity make the whole area a popular destination. to the Knaresborough Round. The new Bilton- areas have been identified: The waterfront of urban Knaresborough is Ripley bridleway also lies within this corridor dominated by the viaduct and Castle which is 1. Knaresborough Town Centre and follows the section known as the n Railway Station raised above steep cliffs, Mother Shipton’s Cave, Beryl Burton Cycleway that passes along the n Bus Station the Long Walk and St Robert’s Cave with disused railway and connects Knaresborough n Castle and Bebra Gardens its Medieval heritage. n to Ripley. There are aspirations to continue Tentergate and Waterside n High Street this route up to Nidderdale and this corridor Knaresborough is surrounded by far reaching also highlights numerous sites for biodiversity countryside to the north and the east where the 2. Market Place to Goldsborough enhancement and flood alleviation/mitigation. surrounding land use is dominated by a mixture 3. Knaresborough Lakes of intensive arable farming. The settlement is 4. Riverside to Scriven Park The River Nidd passes to the south and east bound to the west by the villages of Scotton of Knaresborough, it originates in the uplands and Scriven and it is also fringed by attractive Further information about these opportunities of the Nidderdale AONB and passes close to villages such as Farnham and Staveley. is provided below: lower dales villages such as Hampsthwaite,

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough p. 63 1) Knaresborough Town Centre improve pedestrian access to the Market Place, Bus Station: Knaresborough presents a wealth of opportunity and riverside in particular. The bus station is situated in a busy location on the High Street. There is much scope here for enhancement and improvement to the streets Knaresborough has a number of important to use green infrastructure to create a good and squares. There is a major opportunity to tourism assets and by improving green first impression for people arriving by bus and reinforce the heritage and cultural quality of the infrastructure around and between these assets to improve accessibility and provide a more town by improving the setting of the buildings there is potential to improve their setting, which attractive environment through improvements and by giving each area an independent and may increase visitor numbers and footfall in to green infrastructure. distinctive ‘sense of place’. The town centre is the retail area. a dense urban area where the scope for green There is potential to enhance the appearance There are many opportunities to raise awareness infrastructure may be limited, but the outlying of the bus station with a series of streetscape of the cultural and historic associations of the areas have a wide range of green assets and improvements, which may help to make the town and there are some buildings and key linking these assets to the town centre could bus stops and shelters more appealing for features that go unnoticed. A high quality, be a key priority. passengers. There are also opportunities to more attractive and functional streetscape is improve the safety and security of the passengers a key aspiration as well as a good way finding entering and exiting the area by creating better system. Better links to the Castle, Market Place pedestrian links to the shopping areas through and riverside will lift the quality of experience a series of public realm and environmental for visitors to the town and encourage people to improvements. This may include tree planting, make better use of the outdoor spaces, which which could help frame views and add to the will have a positive influence on the vitality of overall attractiveness of the area. Trees in the Knaresborough as market town. carriageway could also have the added function of calming traffic as the carriageway would appear narrower. Street trees would also provide a good sense of enclosure and ‘sense of place’ and help provide a ‘depth of time’ to these areas. Knaresborough Station Railway Station: Knaresborough Castle The key opportunity here is to improve green and Bebra Gardens: links to and from the existing station. The Knaresborough Castle is a significant feature relationship between the bus and rail stations of the town’s history. It is a Scheduled Ancient offers an opportunity to enhance these Monument and the grounds surrounding it are connections to improve the visitor and tourism open as a public park. The connections between experience. Navigation from the railway station the Castle and riverside are constrained by the is a key issue and there is an opportunity to Market Place, Knaresborough

p. 64 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough wider circular walking trail from Conyngham Hall to restore the circular path through the moat, and Waterside car parks which could encourage which was lost with the removal of the cliff edge visitors to explore both the gorge and the town. path by providing new steps at a point near the War Memorial. Bebra Gardens is a small attractive park, nestling at the foot of the Castle and the area provides The biodiversity and geological value of the an oasis from the busy parts of the town. Bebra cliff edge at Knaresborough is also a key green Gardens were named in honour of the town’s infrastructure asset. Historically, the cliffs at the links with Bebra in Germany, but were formerly Nidd Gorge were a habitat for notable limestone known as Moat Gardens because of their flora and much has been lost since the C19th. proximity to Knaresborough Castle moat. This may be an opportunity for restoration of the cliff habitats to enhance the nature conservation Knaresborough Caslte Bebra Gardens present significant opportunity value of the area. for improved linkages and enhancements intervening cliffs, woodlands and residential to this area; they could extend and improve By improving the quality of Bebra Gardens, areas that significantly hinder permeability. the appeal of the Castle and broker a better this could encourage more use as well as an The Castle lies at the heart of the area and has relationship between the Castle and the riverside. increased experience of the river corridor as a major benefits because of its prominent position A landscape master plan already exists and key recreational asset to the town. high on the cliff; it is the focal point in the town. proposes the removal of some trees and the The links to Market Place and Castlegate/ opening up of selected views. The adjacent Cheapside are generally flat and level, but Castle grounds offer stunning views across the immediately below there is an almost vertical Nidd and although the gardens provide an area drop to Waterside and it is these diminished of established trees and conifers there is scope connections that provide opportunities for to plan and selectively cut back some trees further exploration. to provide better visual connectivity between the Castle and riverside. There are also There is a good network of footpaths across opportunities to open up views of the Castle and the wider area including large sections of the frame views through management of the wooded Knaresborough Round and there is potential to area that lies between the Castle and the improve linkages between the Castle and these river corridor. routes as well as offering benefits for wildlife Waterside looking towards the castle connectivity. At present the connections from The entrances to Bebra Gardens could be more Tentergate and Waterside: the Castle to this walking trail are limited and the welcoming to raise its profile. The site offers the Waterside is located on the western edge of existing Millennium walking trail is limited to the potential to construct a bridge across the moat to Knaresborough and the length of the river from town centre only. There is potential to promote a Bebra Gardens and there is also an opportunity High Bridge to Waterside car park including

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough p. 65 Conyngham Hall is the key arrival point and highway. The relationship of this area with the has vehicle access for residents only) and on tourist draw for visitors in the area. Access to river corridor is poor. Nominally, the Nidderdale the north side of the river footpaths alongside Waterside is restricted by the steep sides of the Way starts and finishes at Ripley village and the River Nidd (Crag Top) could be enhanced. gorge, limiting the main access points to either there is an opportunity to improve links to Opportunities also exist for improved pedestrian end, one end being the area around Tentergate. Knaresborough. Potential exists to explore and cycle links across the river to the Harrogate This limited access is also a constraint for those the possibility of links so the Nidderdale Way Road cycle link and to the Beryl Burton walking/ wishing to access woodland areas along the river starts and finishes in Conyngham Hall car park cycling leisure route to the northwest of the river. corridor. These woodland areas are managed by and that better use is made of the Beryl Burton The western approach to Waterside over High the Woodland Trust and improved access could Cycleway to enhance these links. A pedestrian Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians could also enable better management and surveillance in bridge would have to be provided across the Nidd benefit from improvement by creating a more these areas. into Conyngham Hall at Horseshoe Field. Both user friendly arrangement of shared surfacing. Conyngham Hall and the Henshaws Arts Centre Knaresborough’s key assets, although within The Tentergate area, including High Bond End, provide key cultural opportunities in this area of close proximity, are divided between Waterside lies at a gateway to the town having crossed the town. over the River Nidd from Harrogate. The road and the town centre and connectivity of green rises quite steeply and the open and attractive Overall the Tentergate and Waterside areas could infrastructure between the two is likely to character of the river corridor changes quite be re-invigorated to link the upper and the lower enhance the environment for visitors abruptly. There are buildings and high stone parts of the town and the Waterside car park is a and shoppers. walls to each side at Bond End and High Bond significant arrival point for many visitors. End, which provide a general impression of visual It occupies a pleasant riverside site fringed by and physical constraint. This area could benefit mature trees. The car park lies between the from improvements to the public realm and carriage drive to Conyngham Hall and the river some tree planting to improve first impressions and there is opportunity for enhancement to on approach to Knaresborough. Connections provide more softening with tree planting and from this area leading to the town could benefit improved biodiversity. from improvement to better complement the There are potential ecology enhancement pedestrian approach to the settlement. Green measures for the river corridor including creative infrastructure improvements in this area are likely ideas for interpretation of the unique biodiversity to bring benefits to the year round tourist and of the gorge and possibly limestone grass habitat shopping experience. creation. Although the area is dominated by Conyngham High Street, Knaresborough There is already a popular round recreational Hall and associated parkland, its open character High Street: walk between the two bridges (Grimbald Bridge and attractive wooded areas are not readily The High Street in Knaresborough is the primary and Low Bridge) using Abbey Road (which recognisable nor appreciated from the public route through the town with little priority given to

p. 66 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough pedestrians. The focus of the area is shopping, through the landscape to the east of the enhancement and sustainable drainage. There business and retail, however passing vehicles settlement through an intensively farmed, are opportunities to improve the management of and parked cars also dominate the street mostly arable, lowland area that provides an the Nidd Gorge woodlands by thinning conifers, frontage. attractive rural setting for the settlement. improving access and interpretation for education to extend the ideas put into practice by the A key opportunity exists to enhance the Flooding is an issue to the east of Knaresborough Woodland Trust along the Nidd corridor. There attractiveness of High Street. There is scope to and the area to the east of the business park may be scope for new planting within land to the improve the streetscape through use of surface in particular provides positive opportunities for east of the settlement to help connect isolated materials, street furniture and tree planting. flood mitigation/attenuation whilst at the same groups of trees; and new trees in hedgerows to time improved recreation and links to the River The High Street currently severs key linkages help create and enhance wildlife corridors and to Nidd could be explored. Land at Manse Farm is assist with flooding issues. from Market Place to the east to the town’s main considered suitable for a mixed use development. residential areas. Pedestrian linkages could Further information about the green infrastructure There are opportunities to integrate The Lido be improved with a positive range of green aspirations for this site is set out in the urban caravan and camping site better within the infrastructure measures to enhance these extension section of this SPD. landscape setting of the settlement and improve routes and encourage better use of them. views from the public rights of way, in particular High quality green infrastructure has an from the Knaresborough Round public footpath. important role to play in encouraging investment Encroachment of domestic uses onto the and in contributing to quality of the workplace landscape setting of the river corridor is a key environment for both communities and issue and there could be scope to enhance and workers. St James business park presents restore the rural setting of the river corridor in a key opportunity for the retrofitting of green some areas and draw out the importance of the infrastructure to ensure that the high quality of key geophysical features within it. the environment continues to play a positive role in people’s high perceptions of the area. The links and the close proximity of There is scope to invest in a series of landscape Knaresborough to Harrogate could also be improvements that could significantly help to explored through the development of better retain the high quality landscape commensurate linkages between the two settlements. Public Woodlands to the calibre of business and retail investment footpaths to Birkham Wood Site of Special 2) Market Place to Goldsborough within St James business park, whilst respecting Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the south side of the semi-natural setting of the river corridor. Knaresborough could be promoted as links to St James business park lies at a strategic Harrogate, Rudding Park and Spofforth. meander in the River Nidd to the southeast of Landscape improvements to the area could Knaresborough. The River Nidd meanders also maximise the potential for wildlife

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough p. 67 A key opportunity for this part of the town could the countryside, which could include tending be to improve the links between the Nidd corridor overgrown hedges and improving the distribution and the reclaimed gravel pits (referred to as the of trees along field boundaries to improve the ‘Knaresborough Lakes’). Formal public access overall character and setting of Scriven. to the lakes is limited and improved access could provide scope to promote a better quality of life for all those who live and work in Knaresborough. There is also scope to improve the management of this land for wildlife, where extensive margins of scrub, wetland and unimproved grassland could be introduced to encourage a wider range of habitats to develop. Farnham South Lakes, from Farnham 3) Knaresborough Lakes The lakes also have potential to be used as an educational resource to increase public There is an opportunity to maximise the potential awareness on flood water management, of the former gravel pit sites and surrounding A veteran oak in Scriven Park, Knaresborough biodiversity and wetland creation by providing area for biodiversity, access and recreation for outdoor classrooms or ‘learning stations’ that local residents and tourists to provide a more 4) Riverside to Scriven Park could offer a whole range of skills and events. congenial surrounding in which to live and Other notable heritage and landscape assets work. The landscape to the north and east of Most of these areas are no longer in active in Knaresborough include Scriven Park and Knaresborough incorporates elements such as quarrying use and there is potential to work the Jacob Smith Park, at Scriven, which is Hay-a-Park gravel pits and Manse Farm that with landowners to identify potential initiatives. noted primarily for its veteran trees. This is an fall within the regionally important River Nidd These initiatives could not only be of particular important (unregistered) parkland area located corridor (R8). The reclaimed gravel pits are a benefit to local residents but could also raise the right at the urban edge, which significantly very prominent feature of the landscape and profile of the market town of Knaresborough. contributes to the setting of the town and provides are a key green infrastructure asset. Some of Opportunities exist to significantly improve key links with the surrounding countryside. the gravel pits are primarily managed for wildlife the tourism offer with water-based recreation There are many opportunities at Scriven to (Hay-a-Park SSSI, Farnham South Lake and a activities focussed on fishing, walking and bird implement a range of historic management little further north, the recently extended Yorkshire watching. objectives in light of recreation pressures on Wildlife Trust (YWT) owned Staveley Nature the area. There is scope to explore historic Reserve). Others are managed for fishing and There are opportunities to strengthen the and landscape character with the ambition of water sports, Farnham Gravel Pit for water skiing existing landscape character of the area and providing landscape enhancements to benefit the and Farnham North Lake for sailing. help integrate the edge of settlement into

p. 68 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough overall setting of the settlement; this in turn could help protect its wider parkland setting.

There are also opportunities to enhance the linkages and bridge crossing between Scriven Park and the Nidd corridor; however this would require a new point of access on the north bank to link Horseshoe Fields to the north bank of the Nidd. There is a proposal to extend the 53-mile circular route of the Nidderdale Way to start and finish at Conygham Hall Car Park and this adds significant weight to the recommendations for green infrastructure improvements in this area. The opportunity exists to draw users of the Nidderdale Way into the centre and riverside areas of Knaresborough through Scriven and this could be helped by the new signage, interpretation, and improvements to the car park and gateway areas to the town to the northeast. Opportunities also exist to enhance the Woodland Trust Ripley Road car park, which is an important access point for the Nidd Gorge woodlands.

Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough p. 69 p. 70 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Knaresborough Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon 1. Ripon City Centre * Ripon Bus Station and Environs * Market Place and Central Zone * The Cathedral Area * Ripon Workhouse Museum and Environs

2. Ailcey Hill and Allhallows Hill

3. Ripon Canal and Skell Riverside

4. Dallamires Lane to Quarry Moor

5. Marina, Racecourse and Ripon Quarry

6. Fountains Abbey and Studley Roger World Heritage Site

7. Ripon Disused Railway Corridor

8. Market Place to Borrage Green

9. River Ure Corridor North of Ripon

©Crown copyright and database rights 2014. Ordnance Survey 100019628 Context: The River Skell, which flows into Ripon from priority in Ripon by building upon the already Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World popular local riverside footpaths, Ripon Rowel The city of Ripon stands on a low, narrow Heritage Site is part of the wider Skell and Walk, Sustrans and National Byway Cycle route limestone ridge running north-south from County Brimham corridor (S23) of sub-regional that run near to the area. Accessibility onto the Durham to Nottinghamshire. Overlying this solid importance, which ultimately links the Nidd Ripon Rowel Walk is a key issue and a network geology is a series of glacially deposited sands corridor south of Pateley Bridge with the Ure at of footpaths and bridleways throughout the area and gravels forming a number of mounds and Ripon. The Skell is joined by the Laver to the west could be improved and enhanced to address ridges which characterise the rolling landscape of Ripon and flows through the urban area just better connectivity. Several footbridges and fords fringing the city. The historic core of the city south of the city centre, parallel to the Ripon Canal across the river provide good access, but better containing the Cathedral stands on one of these and on to its confluence with the Ure to the east of connections could be established where poor ridges above the Rivers Laver, Skell and Ure. the city. Despite the river being heavily canalised access exists. through the city centre, the banks are well treed The people of Ripon place a great importance More could be made of the riparian setting of with wide verges along much of the length of the on preserving the city and its historical heritage Ripon as a visitor attraction. At present it is northern banks which forms a significant wildlife including the three rivers, which provide an possible to walk between the three rivers and corridor and greenway reaching into the heart of outstanding landscape setting for the city. there is potential to enhance this as a green the urban area. Recent works undertaken by the infrastructure asset. It is possible to walk from the Within the city there are a variety of landscapes Environment Agency to replace Alma Weir have Laver at Mallory Park to the meeting with the Skell and cityscapes of differing character and the served to soften this section of river. (which you can also follow upstream to Hell Wath) Cathedral and the landscape of these river The River Ure as it runs through Ripon is part right down to the confluence with the Ure where corridors provide a significant tourism draw of a regionally important corridor (R16) which there are already footpaths north and south on as ‘gateway to the dales’. originates high in Wensleydale, eventually both sides. The three rivers comprise the Laver, the Skell and becoming the Ouse in the Vale of York. There is The river corridors create an intimate setting the Ure. The River Laver forms a well wooded a belt of sand and gravel resources along the Ure for riverside activities and the strong network of river corridor to the northwest of Ripon, eventually Valley, extraction of which has created lakes at public footpaths makes the area accessible. The linking into the Nidderdale AONB. It is part of Ripon racecourse as well as Marfield, Nosterfield character of the river corridors is distinct due to the a wider corridor of district importance (D42) and Bellflask upstream of the city. The area extent of woodland cover, the valley landform and which originates in the moorland west of Kirkby incorporates several important nature conservation the high concentration of recreational use in close Malzeard, following Dallow Gill and Carlesmoor sites including Ripon Parks Site of Special proximity to the city centre. The landscape is well Beck, forming the River Laver. The River Laver Scientific Interest (SSSI) just to the north of Ripon. tended and managed to a high standard and the flows into the River Skell (which is also shrouded Public accessibility to the three rivers is already riparian assets make the character of Ripon both in woodland) at Ripon. fairly good but improvements could be a key interesting and appealing to tourists.

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon p. 73 Priorities: Further information about these opportunities is provided below: The following green infrastructure priorities have been identified for Ripon taking into 1) Ripon City Centre consideration the characteristics of the There are a wide range of isolated green settlement and other work undertaken infrastructure opportunity areas within the city. at the regional and sub-regional level: The key aim of green infrastructure is to address n Development of a greener core the fragmented character of these areas and to within the city; pull them together into a more coherent n Improvement to the quality of and connected network. existing civic spaces, public places and access routes; and In Ripon green infrastructure has the potential Ripon bus station n Better connections from the built up to enhance the city’s historic assets through area to the outskirts of the city and better connectivity with the river corridors. The Ripon Bus Station and Environs: surrounding countryside. rivers, the Cathedral, Market Place and the core There is potential to build upon links between shopping areas do comprise an open space Taking into consideration these priorities the the bus station and the historic core of Ripon network but there is a significant opportunity to following green infrastructure opportunity to promote more walking through the city centre. draw them together and provide more greening areas have been identified on the Ripon Green Environmental improvements to the bus station as well as raising the awareness of the extensive Infrastructure Opportunities Map: and to its immediate environment is one of the cultural offer this important city can provide. 1. Ripon City Centre key opportunities. The bus station and the car n Ripon Bus Station and Environs There is also an opportunity for incorporating park opposite Victoria Grove are perceived n Market Place and Central Zone more green infrastructure into the public realm as the main entry point to the city and green n The Cathedral Area within the city centre along with quality surface infrastructure could help to enhance the visitor n Ripon Workhouse Museum experience with more tree planting and public and Environs materials and street furniture to provide a more coherent streetscape for visitors, shoppers, realm improvements. The car park off Moss 2. Ailcey Hill and Allhallows Hill workers and residents. Opportunities for Arcade could also benefit from more tree cover to 3. Ripon Canal and Skell Riverside green infrastructure within the city centre are break up the impact of the area and the car park 4. Dallamires Lane to Quarry Moor mostly small scale but important and there are to the rear of Minster Hall off St Agnesgate could also benefit from environmental improvements. 5. Marina, Racecourse and Ripon Quarry opportunities to use green infrastructure to 6. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal improve key arrival points to the city, especially Opportunities exist for the provision of a linear World Heritage Site for those visiting Market Place and the Cathedral. greenway leading from the bus station to 7. Ripon Railway Corridor introduce more green space within the heart 8. Market Place to Borrage Green of the city. A number of mature trees clothe 9. River Ure Corridor North of Ripon

p. 74 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon the slopes to the south of the Cathedral and However an opportunity still exists to provide are a feature of the large gardens of this area; additional public realm improvements and there however the central part of the city could benefit is scope to carry out a series of improvements from more green space. The area around the to the east and the west of Market Place. bus station provides scope for improvement to The extent of soft landscaping is limited and develop a key green feature. The small area fragmented in these areas and although there attached to the Court House is between the is tree cover on the outer edge, more trees bus station and the Cathedral and is crossed by could make a significant contribution to several asphalt paths and informal tracks. This landscape quality. area could benefit from a range of environmental improvements including path resurfacing, seating, A number of paths and yards connect the tree and shrub planting and new lighting to help Market Place to the main car parks to the improve connections across the area. east and there are significant opportunities to improve the condition of the paths and yards Ripon Cathedral to encourage people to use them night and Future events focussing on art, literature and day. The importance of improving pedestrian music will always need to rely on good quality links between west of Market Place and Market outdoor public and civic space that can support Place is a key opportunity and to the west lies Ripon’s cultural gatherings and these spaces the recent development at Booths. Although should be able to adapt to the cultural demands complete this area does provide further of the future. Kirkgate, linking the market place opportunities to retrofit green infrastructure and the Cathedral, could be further developed as to better link the Market Place to North a pedestrianised space for cultural events and a Street. There is also scope to improve green ‘street café’ atmosphere. infrastructure links between the Market Place and the Cathedral via Kirkgate, including the There are some public spaces with soft rear of Kirkgate and linking to the bus station to landscape and trees in this area which offer Ripon Market Place encourage better use and accessibility. opportunities for improvement and better Market Place and Central Zone: connections with the river corridor (and, in The Market Place is the largest open space in The Cathedral Area: particular, better links with the River Skell). The Cathedral is the strategic focus for the city, in the historic core area, although it incorporates The largest of these areas is the playground terms of visual impact, as a place of culture and little soft landscaping. The whole area was containing the electricity sub-station between festivals and the aim should be to continue refurbished some time ago and the recently Bondgate Bridge and New Bridge at the foot of to provide an exemplary urban setting for planted trees on the market square are a good Bedern Bank, which has close connections this building. example of what can be achieved even in this with the river. densely urban area.

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon p. 75 The C19th graveyard to the east of the Cathedral Ripon Workhouse Museum and Environs: with distinctive gravestones could also benefit The Museum Gardens, including an area of from enhancement and repair and also provides undeveloped land to the rear leading down to links between the Cathedral and the River Skell. Tower Street, provide a valuable area of green space within the city. The museum and its Car parking to the east of the Market Place is surrounding open space lies detached from well used and serves visitors to the Cathedral. Market Square and the Cathedral and there There are, however, opportunities to enhance are opportunities to provide better linkages the appearance of the parking environment and and strengthen its presence in the city. Off to make connections between the parking areas Allhallowgate, hidden behind the BT telephone and the Cathedral more attractive. exchange, is a small garden created from a former chapel burial ground which could also The outlying landscape surrounding Ripon affords Allhallowgate, Ripon important views towards Ripon of the Cathedral be enhanced and incorporated into linkages is documentary evidence the mound was and Fountains Abbey and these view corridors across this area. landscaped around 1825-1850, with a pathway should be protected and enhanced as much as The museum could be used as an education spiralling to the seat or the summit, where a the immediate (urban) setting of the Cathedral. opportunity to increase public awareness of prospect of the Cathedral and city could be Lighting on Boroughbridge Road industrial estate green infrastructure. Particular emphasis could enjoyed. Few if any traces of the landscaping could be improved so as not to over dominate the be given to interpreting the significance and survive but the hill remains covered in trees and subtle Cathedral lighting when entering the city value of the river corridors and their importance shrubs. Ailcey Hill is the subject of a number from the A1 south. to Ripon, especially as a tourist asset. The of local traditions and has been identified as museum could develop initiatives for improved a barrow or a motte linking it with a Dark Age access to landscapes, features and buildings of monastery or a Dark Age battle. historic importance within the city. Allhallows Hill is the name given to another There are also opportunities to improve mound nearby, like the motte of a castle keep. pedestrian links between the city centre/ This stands behind the bishop’s palace to the Allhallowgate and area to the north. east of the bus station. The positions of each ‘hill’ mean that they are sited opposite the field of view 2) Ailcey Hill and Allhallows Hill of the other and they are important landmarks within the city as a precedent for way finding and The Saxon burial ground at Ailcey Hill is a key interpretation. There is a key opportunity to use feature within the city and opportunities exist the opportunities at Ailcey Hill and Allhallows Hill for enhancement in this area. The hill lies as a means of providing key linkages to the east 200 metres to the east of the Cathedral and of the city. is a large tree covered glacial mound. There Ripon Workhouse Museum

p. 76 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon The historic city centre stands on a bluff overlooking the River Skell and roads from the Market Place descend fairly steeply down to river crossings. There are opportunities to enhance the canal and river crossings and their particular characteristics that contribute to the historic and cultural distinctiveness of Ripon’s medieval industries, such as milling and tanning, which are clustered near the Skell in Waterskellgate, Skellgate and across the river in Bondgate. There are several disused mills that have contributed to the small scale river industry in the Ripon canal basin Dallowmires Lane Business Park past that could be put back into beneficial use. 3) Ripon Canal and Skell Riverside area includes former quarry workings at Gallows A waterfront area and linear park could be Hill to the south, which has now developed into The canal is fed from the Skell at the canal basin designed as a gateway providing opportunities secondary woodland. This part of Ripon presents and flows through the fringes of the city from the to establish wider linkages from the edge of the a key opportunity to enhance access to open southeast. The terminal basin is situated a few city to the east eventually linking with the River space for recreation and improve levels of hundred metres south of the Cathedral and this Ure corridor. There would need to be sensitive health with better sports participation. is an exciting opportunity to improve the visitor graduation between the urban waterfront and experience and proposals could seek to connect the semi-natural wetlands of the River Ure-canal There is potential to provide improved linkages the areas by the canal and riverside to the triangle. This linear park could significantly from the residential areas around Hungry Hill to historic core of the city. improve pedestrian connections whilst enhancing outlying open space to the south, west and north the conservation, recreation and biodiversity The Ripon canal basin is a brownfield site of the city for football, other sport uses or informal value of the area. Environmental improvements that comprises the canal warehouse (Grade recreation. There are also opportunities to create to traffic routes leading to canal and riverside II) built around 1770-3; this stone warehouse a new publicly accessible cycleway that could areas could also provide an opportunity with attached manager’s house and stores allow the residents to gain improved access to for enhancement. buildings, all enclosed by a high wall, forms an the wider countryside beyond the bypass, along interesting group of C18th canal buildings. This the canal and to the River Skell. Access between was a key wharf area for the city but with the 4) Dallamires Lane to Quarry Moor these residential areas and Quarry Moor to the south could also be explored as a wider cycle declining use of waterways the area has become Hungry Hill is an important undeveloped area of strategy for the city as access to open space is underused. The canal basin was redeveloped in land that lies between the edge of settlement and more limited here. the 1980s but there are current opportunities for the bypass bounded by Dallamires Lane to the environmental improvements in this area. north and Knaresborough Road to the west. This

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon p. 77 The original C18th industrial area around the of the corridor are not totally accessible and there Ripon canal basin spread southwards towards is scope to create a continuous and secure green Dallamires Lane and the bypass creating an path (foot/cyclepath) along and linking to undistinguished area of commercial activity the river. comprising large sheds, storage areas and yards There is scope for more walking and cycling with little in the way of effective tree planting or opportunities around Ripon and to create landscaping. Dallamires Lane offers potential for ‘branded’ footpaths and cycle paths. On a larger landscape biodiversity enhancements with many scale, the corridor presents an opportunity to sites that offer scope for improvement. These promote recreation for residents and visitors enhancements could provide a better setting to the city and raise the profile of water-based to the employment buildings and improve the recreation and to improve the tourism offer. approaches to the city from the racecourse Woodland path, North Yorkshire The racecourse attracts significant numbers of and marina to the east. There is scope to enhance the employment areas visitors and there is an opportunity to provide The bypass provides an effective edge to the in Ripon generally by utilising green infrastructure improvements to enhance the connections eastwards expansion of the city and the structure to shape the identity of their surroundings and between the historic core and the marina and planting along the verges of the bypass is a improve the quality of the environment for racecourse. Scope also exists to improve the valuable wildlife link. This is an opportunity to investors and the appearance of the approaches to the racecourse and to raise the improve the wooded character at the edge of the approaches to the city. profile to this whole area as a ‘gateway’ to Ripon. settlement and to add to the biodiversity value of The river and canal corridors have the potential the area by the introduction of additional This is an opportunity to develop a landscape to be used as an educational resource or the tree planting along this road corridor. enhancement programme within the mineral workings area once the successful extraction of creation of a ‘living laboratory’ through the gravel has ceased. After-use restoration plans support of research in floodwater management, 5) Marina, Racecourse for Ripon city quarry include an important new climate change adaptation and habitat creation. and Ripon Quarry Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Opportunities to enhance the wildlife value of the Direct access between the city, the racecourse floodplains could also be taken where possible, and marina is hindered by the bypass which runs There are key opportunities to facilitate a better permitting seasonal flooding in some areas and between and opportunities exist to provide better recreational, wildlife and landscape asset for the introduction of appropriate management. linkages. There is also scope for further greening the city through the exploitation of the River Ure There are opportunities for ‘outdoor learning’ of the key transport routes into the city in this corridor which provides an important north-south that could offer skills events attached to various area, including an opportunity for greening the link to the east of Ripon. There is a network of sustainable urban drainage solutions. east of Ripon urban area to improve the business footpaths and bridleways within this area and and working environment for investors and staff. along the riverside and canal towpath, but parts

p. 78 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon 7) Ripon Railway Corridor the Spa Park area, which has potential to link The disused Ripon railway corridor is a key ultimately with Borrage Green, Whitcliffe Quarry feature in the landscape in this area. It is and Hell Wath. designated as a grassland Site of Importance There are significant areas of open green space for Nature Conservation (SINC) although is to the west of Ripon including Spa Park, the becoming heavily scrubbed and wooded. Parts grounds of the Spa Hotel and the playing fields have been developed and this railway corridor of several schools and associated undeveloped forms the basis of a connection of district-wide land off Kirby Road, Kirby Road allotments and importance (D50) between Ripon and Harrogate. the cemetery. Spa Park and Spa Gardens are It passes close to Quarry Moor, the bypass and defined by closing belts of trees and specimen the linear settlement of Littlethorpe and the planting and the adjacent Spa Hotel garden is Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site railway corridor and offers an opportunity for a also distinctive. To the west are open areas in strategic north-south link to the east of the city 6) Fountains Abbey and Studley sports use bounded by trees and from here providing improved connections to the Ripon Royal World Heritage Site views of the Cathedral can be had. canal-Ure triangle. There is scope to develop an Biodiversity is very important in the River Skell improved woodland network along the railway This corridor contains the main parks and sports corridor, including the species rich grassland at linking existing tree blocks whilst retaining views grounds in the city and provides valuable linkages Quarry Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest across the area. to the wider area including Borrage Green, the (SSSI) and grassland, scrub and riparian former Whitcliffe Quarry, Hell Wath and beyond woodland at Hell Wath Local Nature Reserve. to the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey. These sites connect the urban fringe with the There is an opportunity to improve the quality wider countryside including the Studley Royal of the existing parks and open space in this and Fountains Abbey World Heritage Site. part of the city including school ground projects and sports pitch enhancement measures to improve biodiversity and enhance the landscape character of the area. Projects such as allotment improvement and enhancement could also be considered.

These wider linkages enter the city to the west via the new retail development to the west of North Ripon wider landscape Market Place (Booths) and there is a need to 8) Market Place to Borrage Green improve connectivity between this new retail Key links from the west of the Market Place are also a primary consideration in particular to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site

Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon p. 79 development and Market Place. The area could provide better connections between the caravan/ There are further opportunities along the river benefit from more tree planting and areas of camping site at Ure Bank with the centre of the corridor associated with the flood mitigation high quality open space. The potential for more city and potential to re-create a circular footpath measures and the disused railway (and with land green landscape in these areas has not been around the riverside and disused railway. left undeveloped because of gypsum hollows) explored fully. that could be explored including tree planting, the Further towards the city, open fields and creation of wildlife corridors, and habitat creation. paddocks (including a SINC at Little Studley) provide open relief amongst the road frontage development. Previous flooding in Ripon led to the construction of a flood alleviation scheme involving embankments at North Bridge.

West Ripon wider landscape

9) River Ure Corridor North of Ripon The open grazing land on each bank of the River Ure provides the setting for Ure Bank Terrace, a detached Victorian suburb, associated with the former railway station. Parts of the riverside are owned by Harrogate Borough Council and there may be opportunity for wetland enhancement and Ripon wider landscape grassland improvement. There is also scope to

p. 80 Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Main Urban Area of Ripon