14/03/2026
Many of you may have recently received a letter from Yorkshire Water outlining the major infrastructure works planned in and around Pannal or seen the work taking place in Sandy Banks.
For those who have not had a letter we have attached a copy of this to this newsletter.
This newsletter has been put together using the information shared with the Parish Council to date. Our aim is to provide you with a clear overview of what is happening, why it is happening, and what it may mean for our community over the coming months.
Yorkshire Water is undertaking a significant upgrade to the wastewater network serving the wider Harrogate area. This programme includes:
A new sewer pipeline running from Harlow Carr down to Pannal
The construction of a large underground storage shaft/tank on land behind Pannal Green
These improvements are designed to increase capacity, reduce pressure on the existing wastewater system, and support proper management of wastewater flows during periods of heavy rainfall.
In addition, the upgraded infrastructure is intended to support future housing and development across the Harrogate district, including land submitted during the Local Plan “Call for Sites” process.
Yorkshire Water have provided the Parish Council responses to the below FAQs and are working with them to hold a community meeting, which they have indicated will be towards the end of April.
Should you have any questions/concerns we have requested a contact email at Yorkshire Water but please do reach out to us on the parish council email address [email protected] and we will happily forward concerns to Yorkshire Water.
Is there a schedule of works setting out what activities are expected to be undertaken and when?
We will share key milestones to nearby residents and the parish council, these will also be published on our website.
Will we be notified about path, RoW (Rights of Way) access and road closures and provided with alternatives? (Not be beholden to NYC sharing the information)
We have liaised with North Yorkshire Council in any required closures of rights or way and roads. For rights of way, where a safe alternative route is possible these will be signposted. Where a safe diversion is not possible this will be stated.
Advanced warning signs will be displayed in before any road closures, during the closure diversions will be clearly signposted as agreed with highways. Our notable road closures will be on Lady Lane and Hill Top Lane.
How will residents be cared for while construction is underway and when work is completed?
Residents that are directly impacted will receive letter updates at key milestones throughout the work; we will also have a dedicated webpage for the work which will be updated throughout.
Pipeline Capacity, Type & Infrastructure
How many homes will the new pipeline serve, how many pipelines will be built and how long will they last, and why can wastewater from new developments not be treated on site instead of being sent through this system?
Under S106 of The Water Industry Act developers have the right to connect to the public sewer network. All developers will have to submit applications to Yorkshire Water for such connections and pay associated costs. As such we’re unable to confirm the number of houses the new pipeline will take in the future. There is one pipeline leading from Harlow Hill Sewage Pumping Station, at Harlow Carr, to Harrogate South Sewage Treatment works. Sewerage must be treated at dedicated, consented facilities, under strict regulatory controls and be closely monitored for compliance.
What makes Pannal the ideal location for this tank?
The tank is positioned at a strategic point on the sewer network where flows into the storage facility are possible without the need for major remedial works to the existing trunk sewer. This location provides the necessary hydraulic conditions for effective operation of the system and avoids significant disruption or reconstruction of critical existing infrastructure.
How will this future proof Pannal – will house prices be affected?
Pannal will gain direct protection from the underground storage tanks, while the wider Crimple valley will benefit from reduced surcharging risk and environmental benefits. Once constructed, the infrastructure will be underground and therefore not visible, except for a small amount of essential above‑ground small kiosks.
Can the tank be moved away from the Pannal Green gardens?
As detailed above the location of the tank has been chosen through modelling data due to its location on the existing sewage network.
How can there be guarantees of no overflow of raw sewage from the pipes or tank?
The new pipeline provides an additional pathway for foul wastewater, reducing pressure on the existing Harrogate town network, transferring flows to Harrogate south treatment works. The two new storage tanks will store flows in periods of heavy rainfall, slowly releasing them back into the network for treatment when the system is able to cope. If the tank reaches its storage capacity, the storm overflows on the network will function within their existing consents to discharge to the environment, in line with regulatory requirements.
Landscaping & Environmental Matters
Will YW guarantee to liaise with us over planting of trees and leaving a positive legacy for the village?
We are in ongoing and detailed consultation with landowners regarding reinstatement, and we are developing reinstatement strategies collaboratively to ensure they reflect both operational requirements and landowner expectations. Where possible and appropriate, we will seek to involve the local community and welcome constructive suggestions that support the long‑term betterment of the surrounding area. It is important to emphasise, however, that the land around Pannal is privately owned, and any proposals or enhancements can only proceed with the consent of the respective landowners.
