Council move is narrowly approved

By the narrowest of votes, councillors opted to build new offices in Colburn.

The casting vote of the council chairman, Councillor Campbell Dawson, saw the move passed by a total of 18 Independent Coalition for Richmondshire councillors, defeating 17 Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, including one Independent.

However, after the meeting at Swale House, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, campaigners vowed to challenge the decision.

Passionate arguments were made both for and against moving 180 staff, currently spread across five sites in the town, to a purpose-built unit on Colburn Business Park.

Deputy leader Councillor Richard Dunn said the current offices were inefficient and broke health and safety laws.

He said: "Poor heating, ventilation and cramped conditions - it's an absolute disgrace. We cannot continue with staff working in this environment. This is not an issue that has been rushed - it's a process that's been going on for years."

But former leader Councillor John Blackie, who previously supported the relocation, argued a likely shake-up of local government meant the decision should be deferred.

He said: "We don't know what the outcome is (of a Government white paper expected in the summer).

"Once we know the outcome, we will know what the future might hold for Richmondshire District Council.

"At that time, we can make this hugely monumental decision."

Supporters of relocation said new offices would mean Richmondshire stood a better change of retaining staff if unitary authorities were created.

Offices at Swale House, Frenchgate House, 20 Frenchgate House and Friars Wynd, all in Richmond, will now be sold off to pay for the move.

Part of the town's Yorke Square car park and land at Gatherley Road, in Brompton-on-Swale, will also go.

Councillors were told more efficient offices could save £125,000 a year in costs.

However, it also emerged that, in the worst-case scenario, a 50-year loan would be needed to pay for the new building.

Several members of the public spoke against the move.

One Richmond resident, Alan Lomax, of Gallowgate, said: "This proposal is being pushed through in an unseemly rush by cutting corners and missing out usual procedures to try and force the issue.

"The complete and utter contempt this council and officers show to the people of Richmond is a disgrace."

Councillor Stuart Parsons - a long-time opponent of the move - failed to have the meeting halted on legal grounds.

After the meeting, he said: "The decision will be challenged. I'm confident they've set themselves up as they've not abided by the rules and regulations."

Several councillors and members of the public pointed out that the Richmond lower school site, currently used by Richmond School, could soon be available and would make ideal council offices.

However, officers and councillors in favour of the move said the site was not suitable and would be too expensive.

The view that new offices are needed to improve efficiency is supported by Government inspectors and consultants hired by the council.

But residents of Richmond say a move to Colburn would have a dire impact on the economy of the town.

Town centre businesses would suffer from the loss of trade from council staff, it is claimed. Residents say the development on part of Yorke Square car park would also hit local firms.

An economic impact study on the effect of the move on Richmond found that businesses would either lose £30,000 or gain £134,000 a year, depending on whether the existing offices became houses or offices.

Residents are also furious that housing will be built on the car park near the historic Culloden Tower.

Objectors claim other alternatives to Colburn have never been properly investigated.

They say a refurbishment of the existing offices in Richmond is a viable option, but senior officers disagree.

Further discussions will now take place with North Yorkshire County Council, which has shown interest in sharing space in the new development.