Work due to start on HML offices

1:34pm Friday 16th May 2008

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Skipton's largest employer is about to start work on its new Gargrave Road offices.

Skipton Building Society's Homeloan Management Ltd (HML) this week handed over £844,989 to Craven District Council for the greenfield site.

Less than a month after planning permission was given for the development, which will include separate offices for Craven District Council, work is expected to start next week. A spokesman for HML said it was hoped it would be finished by the early part of 2010.

The plan includes 100,000 sq ft of offices for HML and 35,000 sq ft offices for the council, which the council will be given the choice to either buy or lease from the building society. It will also include 418 car parking places.

Council leader, Coun Carl Lis, said there was a strong case for keeping HML in the area. He said it would mean the SBS head office, with the majority of senior staff, would be guaranteed to stay in the area.

"I am very pleased that the land sale has finally been completed and we can confirm that HML will be remaining, investing and growing in Craven," he said. "There has always been a compelling economic and employment case for retaining the company within the local area."

Gargrave Road residents and Skipton Town Council have raised concerns about the design of the building and the likely increase of traffic on Gargrave Road.

At April's district council planning meeting, a judicial review threatened to delay planning permission - but was later withdrawn.

At Monday's meeting of Gargrave Parish Council, Coun David Crawford said he had always been against the development.

"There was a ray of hope when we thought there was going to be a judicial review, but Skipton Properties withdrew it. They got the land for what I believe was a pittance," he said.

HML's new offices will mean Skipton Building Society being able to expand its staff numbers at The Bailey. HML has a significant effect on the town and 15 per cent of the jobs available in Skipton are supplied by the firm.