This week, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council held several meetings, with significant discussions and decisions that could impact local communities and development projects.

Corporate & Partnerships Overview & Scrutiny Committee

The Corporate & Partnerships Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 10 June 2024, to discuss various topics, including the performance of North Yorkshire Police and Fire Services, community safety, equality and diversity, and property rationalisation. Key decisions were made regarding future updates on rationalisation and the work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Update

Zoë Metcalfe, the North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner (PFCC), provided an overview of progress and improvements against inspection reports by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). Initiatives included:

• Convening and live-streaming Public Accountability Meetings.
• Monthly progress reports from Chief Officers on HMICFRS improvement action plans.
• Restructuring the Office of the PFCC to focus on delivery and assurance.
• Introducing a new Assurance Framework.
• Expanding the complaints function into a full Customer Service Team.

Community Safety Plan Delivery & Partnership Working

Odette Robson, Head of Safer Communities, and Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Clarke presented a bi-annual update on partnership working around priority areas agreed by the North Yorkshire Community Safety Partnership. Key issues addressed included:

• Steps to address sexual orientation-related hate crimes.
• Actions to address domestic abuse, including work by the Domestic Abuse Tactical Group and the recommissioning of IDAS.
• Ongoing 'PREVENT' work to stop people from being drawn into terrorism.

Equalities & Diversity Update

Will Boardman, Head of Policy & Performance, provided a progress update on the Council’s equality objectives for 2021-2025. Concerns were raised about identifying equality issues at a local level following the restructuring of council areas.

Property Rationalisation

Councillor Gareth Dadd and Gary Fielding provided an update on property rationalisation, discussing principles behind rationalising and optimising offices, quick wins achieved, and future plans for NYC Depots. The potential impact of closing council buildings on local high streets and businesses was also discussed.

Strategic Planning Committee

The Strategic Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, to discuss several significant planning applications, including a major mixed-use development in Ripon and the preservation of military heritage at Claro Barracks. The committee granted planning permission for the Ripon development, subject to conditions.

Mixed-Use Development at Claro Barracks, Ripon

The proposal includes up to 1,300 dwellings, retail and food outlets, community facilities, employment land, a primary school, sports pitches, and public open space. Key discussions included:

• Traffic and Road Safety: Concerns about increased traffic and the need for speed reduction measures.
• Military Heritage Preservation: Importance of preserving the site's military heritage.
• Highway Improvements: Concerns about proposed traffic changes leading to longer journeys and increased pollution.

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, including a comprehensive heritage preservation scheme.

Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee

The Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, covering updates from Keir Mather MP, the Go Wild Selby – Summer Playscheme 2024, air quality, educational achievements, financial challenges in local schools, public transport, and the new free SEND school in Selby.

Constituency MP Keir Mather

Keir Mather discussed key issues affecting the area, including the forthcoming North Yorkshire and York Mayoral election, local matters such as flooding and public transport, and the absence of pest control services in Selby.

Groundwork North Yorkshire

Amanda G Scrimgeour and Tracey Sugden presented the Go Wild Selby – Summer Playscheme 2024, aiming to provide a summer playscheme for 30 children aged 7-11 in Selby Park.

Air Quality in the Constituency Area

Vikki Flowers and Dr Kevin Carr presented the draft North Yorkshire Council Air Quality Action Plan (2024 – 2029), covering local air quality management and progress of measures to address air quality.

Richmond (Yorks) Area Constituency Planning Committee

The Richmond (Yorks) Area Constituency Planning Committee met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, discussing several significant planning applications. Key decisions included the refusal of a change of use for the Horseshoe Inn in West Rounton, the deferral of a bungalow construction project in Appleton Wiske, and a conditional approval for a residential development in Brompton on Swale.

Scrutiny of Health Committee

The Scrutiny of Health Committee met on Friday, 14 June 2024, discussing the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, updates on the Airedale New Hospital, neonatal services at Airedale, and the Autism Strategy. Key decisions included support for changes in neonatal services and confidence in the Autism Strategy consultation process.

Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Committee

The Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Committee met on Friday, 14 June 2024, discussing broadband connectivity in rural areas, social exclusion due to lack of transport, and the development of active travel routes. Decisions were made to endorse funding for the Malton to Helmsley Active Travel Route and to progress other transport-related projects.

These meetings illustrate the council's ongoing focus on enhancing community services, supporting local businesses, and balancing development with ecological and community considerations. The outcomes of these meetings will likely influence future council decisions, particularly in managing community feedback and legal challenges in planning and development processes.

This week, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council held several meetings, with notable discussions and decisions that could significantly impact local communities and development projects.

Executive Meeting

The Executive convened on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. Unfortunately, the transcript for this meeting is not available, so we are unable to provide specific details about the discussions and decisions made. However, Executive meetings typically cover a broad range of strategic issues affecting the entire council area, including budget allocations, major projects, and policy developments.

Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee

Also on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee held a detailed discussion on a significant development proposal. The meeting focused on a landscape plan for a new residential site, which includes various house types and affordable housing provisions.

Key Points from the Discussion:

• Landscape and Access: The plan involves some loss of hedgerow to provide main and emergency access, but additional planting is proposed within the site and along a trim trail at the foot of the railway embankment. An area of open space is also provided to protect the pond and nearby residential properties.
• House Types: The development includes a mix of one to five-bedroom units, with a portion designated as affordable housing, compliant with the 40% provision policy.
• Ecological Considerations: The council's ecologist recommended conditions for a construction and environmental management plan and a long-term enhancement plan for the site. The biodiversity and enhancement management plan will be a living document throughout the project's lifetime.
• Community Concerns: Two additional letters of objection were received, reiterating concerns about unstable land and the development's impact on the local plan. The developers have provided evidence to address these concerns, including reports from independent engineers with expertise in ground stability.

Here’s a significant excerpt from the meeting:

The committee is minded to approve the application subject to conditions, section 106 agreement, and delegate the decision to the assistant director of planning, including the finalisation of conditions in the terms of the section 106 to include affordable housing, travel plan, BNG management, education contributions, village hall contributions, and open space contributions. - Committee Chair

Other Meetings

On Thursday, 30 May 2024, the council held three additional meetings:

• The Charter Trustees for Harrogate
• Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee
• The Charter Trustees For Scarborough

Unfortunately, transcripts for these meetings are not available, so we cannot provide specific details about the discussions.

Implications

The discussions and decisions made this week highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance development with ecological and community considerations. The approval of the residential site plan, with its focus on affordable housing and ecological management, reflects a broader theme of sustainable development. Additionally, the procedural approach to addressing community concerns and legal requirements underscores the council's commitment to thorough and transparent decision-making processes.

These themes are consistent with previous council activities, where the balance between development, public access, and procedural integrity is meticulously navigated. The outcomes of these meetings will likely influence future council decisions, particularly in how they manage community feedback and legal challenges in planning and development processes.

This week, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council held several meetings, but the most significant discussion occurred during the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee on Tuesday, 07 May 2024. The committee deliberated on a contentious proposal regarding President Gardens Road, which has broader implications for public access and urban aesthetics.

President Gardens Road Proposal

The council discussed installing access control measures like bollards, planters, and paving to enhance the area's aesthetics and manage traffic. This proposal is part of a larger initiative to redevelop the adjacent former council offices into a more functional and visually appealing space. However, concerns were raised about the potential loss of public access and the implications of a stopping up order, which could permanently close the road to public traffic. The decision was deferred pending further information, reflecting the council's cautious approach to permanent changes in public access. Here's a key quote from the discussion:

We need to balance aesthetic improvements with the rights of the public to access their roads. It's not just about beauty; it's about functionality and access. - Council Member

Procedural Concerns

During the meeting, there was notable frustration among council members regarding new procedural limitations on questioning applicants and objectors. These limitations are perceived as hindering the council's ability to make informed decisions. This issue is not isolated but part of a recurring theme we've observed where procedural constraints impact council operations and decision-making processes.

Implications

The deferred decision on President Gardens Road and the procedural frustrations expressed are indicative of the council's broader challenges in balancing development with public rights and procedural fairness. These discussions are crucial as they set precedents for how similar issues will be handled in the future, particularly in terms of public access and council member autonomy in decision-making.

This meeting underscores ongoing themes in council activities, similar to previous discussions in other committees, where the balance between development, public access, and procedural integrity is meticulously navigated. The outcomes of such deliberations are critical as they directly affect community structure and council effectiveness.

This week, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council held a significant meeting that could influence the local infrastructure and community usage of buildings.

The Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Planning Committee convened on Wednesday, 01 May 2024, and deliberated on two main issues: street upgrades in Sherburn and a change of use for a building. Both items were approved, but not without substantial discussion that highlighted the council's careful consideration of community input and legal intricacies.

Street Upgrades in Sherburn

The proposal for street upgrades aimed to enhance the town center's accessibility and aesthetics, a move supported by the town council and local businesses. The unanimous approval of this project underscores the council's commitment to supporting town growth and economic vitality. Here's a key point from the discussion:

The enhancement of our town center is not just about aesthetics but also about making our town more accessible and economically robust. - Council Member

Change of Use for a Building

The application for changing the use of a building was more contentious, particularly concerning the potential diversion of a public footpath and the legality of erected fences. The council decided to approve the change of use while separating the legal issues to be addressed independently. This decision reflects the council's procedural focus, ensuring that broader legal matters do not stall immediate community benefits. Here's a significant comment from the meeting:

While we recognize the concerns regarding the footpath and fences, our decision today focuses on the broader benefit the change of use will bring to the community. - Council Member

These discussions are part of a broader theme we've observed in recent council activities, where the balance between development and legal compliance is meticulously navigated. As with previous cases, such as the decisions made in the Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee and the Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee, the council continues to demonstrate a nuanced approach to community development and legal considerations.

The outcomes of this week's meeting will likely influence future council decisions, particularly in how they manage community feedback and legal challenges in planning and development processes.

This week, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council held several meetings, with key decisions made that could impact local businesses and community services.

One significant meeting was the Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee on Friday, 26 April 2024. The committee approved a variation of a premises license for La Faria, allowing the use of external areas for dining and drinking until 11:00 PM from April to September. This decision was based on the applicant's compliance history and the absence of complaints during past permitted late hours. Here's a quote from the meeting:

The applicant has demonstrated a commitment to community harmony, and there have been no complaints regarding the previous extensions granted under temporary event notices. - Licensing Authority Representative

This approval aligns La Faria’s operations with nearby establishments and could increase its business viability, reflecting a council tendency to support local businesses under certain conditions.

Another impactful meeting was the Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee on the same day. The committee discussed and made decisions on emergency preparedness, public transport services, and the allocation of a £100,000 grant for community projects. Notably, the decision to form a task and finish group to decide on the allocation of the grant highlights the council's approach to community investment, focusing on heritage, arts, and social enterprise projects. Here's a relevant excerpt:

We need to ensure that the projects funded not only provide immediate benefits but also contribute to sustainable community development. - Committee Member

These meetings illustrate the council's ongoing focus on enhancing community services and supporting local businesses, themes we'll continue to explore in future updates.