This week, the North Yorkshire council held several meetings, with the most impactful discussions occurring during the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.

Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee

The committee focused on a significant planning application for residential development at Minskip Road, Stavely, North Yorkshire. The application proposed the erection of 76 residential dwellings, including a mix of bungalows and two-story houses.

Key Points of Discussion

• Site Context and Constraints: The site is located to the northeast of the village, near the Stavely Nature Reserve and a railway embankment. The development area was carefully planned to retain the pond and provide open space to alleviate pressure on the nature reserve.
• Affordable Housing: The scheme includes a 40% provision of affordable housing, with a mix of tenures to meet local needs.
• Ground Stability Concerns: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the ground stability of the site due to the presence of gypsum. The committee heard from experts and residents, with concerns about potential subsidence similar to issues seen in Ripon.
• Traffic and Access: The committee discussed the impact on local traffic, including the 20 mph zone on Minskip Road and pedestrian access to the site.

The committee decided to approve the application, subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement. However, the decision was delegated to the assistant director responsible for planning, in consultation with the chair and vice chair, to finalize the conditions and terms of the section 106 agreement.

The recommendation is to defer for delegated approval, subject to conditions and the completion of the section 106 agreement to cover the issues within the heads of terms. — Committee Chair during the meeting

This decision reflects the council's careful approach to balancing development needs with community concerns, particularly regarding ground stability and environmental impact.

Other Meetings

Other meetings held this week included the Executive, The Charter Trustees for Harrogate, Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee, and The Charter Trustees For Scarborough. These meetings covered various administrative and local governance issues, but none had the same level of community impact as the planning committee's discussions on the Stavely development.

The council's ongoing efforts to address local development while considering environmental and community concerns highlight a recurring theme of thoughtful and inclusive planning. The approval of the Stavely development, with its emphasis on affordable housing and careful site management, underscores the council's commitment to sustainable growth and community well-being.

This week, the North Yorkshire council held several meetings, with the most impactful discussions occurring during the Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Planning Committee on Thursday, 23 May 2024.

Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Planning Committee

The committee covered several planning applications, focusing on holiday lodges and affordable housing, which have significant implications for local development and community dynamics.

Application for Holiday Lodges at Newling, Alston Road, Easingwold

The committee discussed application number Zb24/001/4.5/4, proposing the change of use of land for five holiday lodges at Newling, Alston Road, Easingwold. Key points included:

• Public Comments and Amendments: The report presented by Connor included public comments and amendments, such as a height limit on planting.
• Site Visit and Conditions: A site visit assessed views from a nearby public right of way. Questions about land levels and site management were addressed.
• Policy Context: The main policy context was policy EG8, relating to the visitor economy and sustainable development. The site had a previous appeal in 2016 for housing, dismissed due to its rural setting importance.
• Concerns and Objections: Mr. Gudrum, representing 28 residents, raised concerns about economic impact and environmental factors, suggesting deferral for more information.
• Support and Conditions: Mr. John Soddington, the agent, supported the application, highlighting the site's suitability and the fallback position of a certificate site license for five touring vans.

The committee decided to defer the application to gather more information on land levels, the management plan, and the specific use of the lodges.

Application for Holiday Lodges at Daskett Hill, Sherry

The committee discussed application number ZE23/01660/M, proposing 24 holiday lodges, one warden's lodge, and one reception/shop at Daskett Hill, Sherry. The planning agent informed the committee that the originally proposed units were no longer available, and a new supplier was being assessed. The committee decided to defer the application to a future meeting, possibly in June, to review the new plans.

Application for Affordable Housing at East Street, Swinton

The committee discussed an application for 20 affordable homes at East Street, Swinton. Key points included:

• Site Layout and Design: The layout included a mix of bungalows and two-story dwellings, with sustainable design features like air source heating and solar panels.
• Public and Parish Concerns: Kavitha Angora Jam, a resident, raised concerns about traffic and emergency access. The Swinton Parish Council had mixed views.
• Support for the Application: Mr. Saddington, the agent, supported the application, highlighting the need for affordable housing.

The committee approved the application, subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement for affordable housing and public open space management.

Other Meetings

Other meetings held this week included the Mid Cycle Briefing, Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee, Appeals (Home to School Transport) Committee, North Yorkshire Local Access Forum, Pension Fund Committee, Executive, Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee, Children and Young People's Service - Executive Members & Corporate Director Meetings, and North Yorkshire Health and Wellbeing Board. The General Licensing and Registration Committee and Statutory Licensing Committee meetings were cancelled.

The discussions and decisions made this week highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance development with community needs, a theme we've discussed before. The deferrals for additional information and the approval of affordable housing reflect a careful approach to planning and community engagement.

This week, the most significant council meeting was the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee held on Tuesday, 07 May 2024. The primary focus was on a contentious planning application related to Crescent Gardens, previously sold to Impala Estates. The discussion revolved around the potential privatization of an adjacent road and the implications of minor construction works and a future stopping up order which would limit public access.

Decision on Crescent Gardens Application

The committee's debate on approving minor aesthetic and functional improvements like planters and paving at Crescent Gardens was overshadowed by broader concerns regarding the stopping up order. This order could significantly alter public access, a point of contention among the committee members. The decision was ultimately deferred, pending further information on the terms of the sale and specifics of the stopping up order.

We need more detailed information to understand the full implications of the stopping up order on public access. — Committee Member during the meeting

This quote highlights the committee's cautious approach, emphasizing the need for comprehensive information before making a decision that could permanently alter public access and the area's character.

Procedural Concerns

An additional point of discussion was the procedural limitations faced by council members, particularly their inability to directly question the applicant. This limitation was noted as a significant hindrance to effective decision-making, prompting talks about potential procedural reforms to enhance direct engagement with applicants in future meetings.

The outcomes of this meeting are crucial not only due to the immediate implications for Crescent Gardens but also for the potential procedural changes that could affect future council meetings. This situation reflects a broader theme of transparency and thoroughness in council decision-making processes, a theme we've observed in previous council actions where the clarity of information and direct communication were pivotal.

The deferred decision and the discussion on procedural reforms are indicative of the council's careful approach to planning and public engagement, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and considerate of long-term impacts on community access and local governance.

This week, the North Yorkshire council's most noteworthy session was the Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 01 May 2024. The committee deliberated on two primary issues: street upgrades in Sherburn and a change of use for a building, both of which were approved but highlighted different community and procedural dynamics.

Street Upgrades in Sherburn

The proposal for street upgrades in Sherburn was aimed at enhancing the town center's accessibility and aesthetic appeal. Supported by the town council and local businesses, this initiative was seen as a vital step towards boosting Sherburn's local commerce and overall vitality. The unanimous approval of this project underscores a recurring theme in council decisions: the prioritization of local economic development and infrastructure improvement. The decision reflects a clear consensus on the benefits these upgrades can bring to the community, aligning with previous council actions that support town center revitalizations.

Change of Use for a Building

The application for changing the use of a building, however, presented a more contentious issue, particularly concerning the need for a public footpath diversion. Despite objections related to past compliance issues, the council approved the change, emphasizing adherence to planning criteria. This decision highlights a critical aspect of council operations: the separation of legal concerns to ensure that planning decisions are made strictly within the framework of relevant laws, regardless of external pressures or public sentiment. This procedural adherence is crucial in maintaining the integrity and legality of council decisions, a point that has been emphasized in past meetings concerning regulatory compliance.

The application met all planning criteria, and separate issues like the footpath diversion will be handled through appropriate channels. — Council Member during the meeting

This quote from the meeting encapsulates the council's approach to dealing with complex planning issues by compartmentalizing different legal aspects to avoid conflating unrelated concerns.

The outcomes of this meeting are significant not only for the immediate effects on Sherburn's landscape and the specific building's use but also for their implications on how the council manages public concerns and legal standards in planning decisions. These decisions continue to shape the physical and regulatory landscape of North Yorkshire, reflecting broader themes of economic development and legal integrity that we have observed in previous council actions.

This week, the North Yorkshire council held several meetings, but the most impactful discussions occurred during the Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee and the Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee.

Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee

The committee addressed significant community concerns, focusing on school provisions and emergency planning. The council debated the necessity of expanding existing schools versus constructing new ones due to the rising number of students. This decision will significantly influence the region's educational infrastructure and community growth.

On emergency planning and community resilience, a resolution was made to form a task group to develop a £100,000 grant fund project aimed at enhancing local emergency responses. This initiative is expected to bolster community engagement and preparedness, reflecting the council's proactive approach to community safety.

A notable moment in the meeting was when a council member stressed the urgency of action over prolonged discussions, highlighting a common theme of frustration with bureaucratic delays—a theme we've discussed before.

Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee

The committee reviewed an application by Jeremy Verity for a variation of a premises license for La Faria, which sought to extend the use of external areas for dining and drinking until 11:00 PM from April to September. The application was approved, emphasizing the establishment's track record of no complaints during past events and its commitment to community harmony. This decision aligns with the council's tendency to support local businesses while balancing community standards.

The approval could enhance La Faria's business prospects, aligning it with nearby establishments and potentially boosting local economic activity without a history of disturbances.

These meetings underscore the council's ongoing efforts to address both immediate and long-term community needs, balancing the urgency of action with comprehensive planning and community standards.