The shock decision came at a meeting yesterday in Harrogate which saw the plans rejected 13 votes to one with two abstentions. The outcome effectively means the council has thrown out a planning application which it submitted to itself.

Committee members raised concerns over the siting of the pool on public playing fields in Camp Close and fears were also expressed about moving the football pitch closer to houses.

Speaking in favour of the outline application, Ripon City Councillor, Peter Horton said the new pool represented major investment in Ripon to provide the project. "We need this investment in Ripon," he added.

However, following representations from Ripon Civic society and the reading of several letters from members of the public, the outline plans were thrown out.

Future

The borough has yet to make an official response to the decision but calls are already being made for a complete rethink on the future of swimming facilities in the city.

Ripon City Councillor, David Parnaby, a long time opponent of the Camp Close plan, said he hoped there would now be 'proper consultation.'

"All the councillors I spoke to afterwards said the whole thing had been rushed through and now a proper approach had to be taken," he said.
"It's time for a public consultation and fresh ideas."

For more reaction see Friday's Ripon Gazette