In 1778 this land was retained by King George 111. Even if sold the Monarch Queen Elizabeth 11 retains the mineral rights. Duchy of Lancaster act for the Queen. PN18 (using the planning proposals) was sold to Harrogate Borough Council in 1950 by the 7th Earl of Harewood because of death duties for his father the 6th Earl of Harewood. Pannal Golf Club was purchased from him for the sum of £9,950.
PN19 belonged to William Bentley of Pannal Hall who sold it in 1963 together with Hall Farm and cottages totalling 110 acres. No covenant except rights to draw water. Sandy Bank Quarry entrance on Church Lane was also included but I have had a SINC – Site of Importance for Nature Conservation put on that so hopefully it is safe. Harrogate Borough Council purchased all the Crimple Valley with the purpose of keeping “a lung” between Harrogate and Pannal. Crimple Valley was given Special Landscape Area Status by HBC. A non statuary designation used by local Government in some parts of the UK to categorise sensitive landscapes which are either legally or as a matter pf policy protected from development or other man made influences.
I wrote to the Duchy of Lancaster (acting for her Majesty) who hold the mineral rights, asking if they have been enfranchised. They in turn have contacted the Land Registry to see what their position is and I am awaiting their reply.
By Anne Smith
Anne is the Pannal Historian and the Pannal Golf Club Historian. She is also author of A History of Pannal, Postcards from Pannal and A Centenary History of Pannal Golf Club 1906-2006.
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