The Strategic Planning Committee of East Riding of Yorkshire Council met on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, to discuss several significant planning applications and related issues. Key topics included a major mixed-use development in Ripon, concerns about military heritage preservation, and traffic management proposals.

Mixed-Use Development in Ripon

The committee considered an outline planning application (ref. 20/02973/EIAMAJ) for a mixed-use development on land at 21 and 28 Engineers, Claro Barracks, Chatham Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2RD. The proposal includes up to 1,300 dwellings, 60 extra care accommodation units, retail and food outlets, community facilities, 2 hectares of employment land, a primary school, sports pitches, public open space, and associated works.

Military Heritage Preservation

Councillor Barbara Brodigan submitted a statement expressing skepticism about the proposed mitigation actions for increased traffic and emphasizing the importance of preserving the site's military heritage. Guy Wilson, Chair of the Ripon Military Heritage Trust, stressed the need for an appropriate heritage preservation scheme, suggesting that the S106 Legal Agreement could facilitate this. Rachel Wiggington of the Ripon Civic Society objected to the application, calling for a deferral to address military heritage concerns.

Traffic Management

Concerns were raised about the proposed banning of the right turn for eastbound traffic on the B6265 Somerset Row into Low Skellgate. Rachel Wiggington and Councillor Andrew Williams highlighted the potential adverse impact on local residents and increased traffic pollution. The committee discussed the traffic management proposals extensively, noting that the junction improvements were part of a broader traffic system designed to manage flow through the area.

Developer and Council Responses

Steven Harness from DIO Estates and David Rowlinson from Homes England addressed the committee, emphasizing the development's benefits, including the provision of quality homes and community facilities. They assured that the heritage strategy would be integrated with local interests and that the S106 Legal Agreement would secure £10 million in additional benefits for Ripon.

Committee Deliberations

Members discussed various aspects of the proposal, including the feasibility of relocating military heritage buildings, the impact of traffic management changes, and the provision of affordable housing. They also considered the potential for matched funding to maximize the benefits of the S106 agreement. The committee emphasized the need for the heritage strategy to return for further consideration and suggested alterations to condition 47 to facilitate this.

Decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions listed, with alterations to condition 47 to ensure the heritage strategy is brought back for consideration at the first reserved matters stage. The decision was unanimous.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack 11th-Jun-2024 10.00 Strategic Planning Committee.