The North Yorkshire Council's Strategic Planning Committee meeting on 11 June 2024 primarily focused on the outline planning application for a mixed-use development at Claro Barracks in Ripon. The committee granted planning permission for the development, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

Mixed-Use Development at Claro Barracks, Ripon

The committee considered an outline planning application (ref. 20/02973/EIAMAJ) for a mixed-use development at Claro Barracks, Ripon. The proposal includes up to 1,300 dwellings, 60 extra care accommodation units, retail and food establishments, community facilities, employment land, a primary school, sports pitches, public open space, and associated works. The development will involve the demolition of existing buildings and structures on the site.

Key Points of Discussion

• Traffic and Road Safety: Councillor Barbara Brodigan expressed concerns about the impact of increased traffic on the ancient city's road system. She welcomed speed reduction measures on Clotherholme Road and Kirkby Road, especially given the proximity of five schools.

• Military Heritage Preservation: Guy Wilson, Chair of the Ripon Military Heritage Trust, emphasized the importance of preserving the site's military heritage. He argued that approval should be contingent on an appropriate heritage preservation scheme. Rachel Wiggington of the Ripon Civic Society also objected to the application, suggesting deferral to address heritage concerns.

• Highway Improvements: Concerns were raised about the proposed banning of the right turn for eastbound traffic on the B6265 Somerset Row into Low Skellgate. Ripon City Council's consultants indicated that this change would adversely impact local residents by increasing traffic and pollution.

• S106 Legal Agreement: David Rowlinson from Homes England highlighted that the S106 agreement would secure £10 million in additional benefits for Ripon, including a further £100,000 for the heritage strategy.

Committee Decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions listed and the completion of a Section 106 agreement. An alteration was made to Condition 47 to ensure that details of the heritage strategy would be brought back to the committee for consideration at the first reserved matters stage. The decision was unanimous.

For more details, you can refer to the 2024-05-14 Strategic Planning Committee Minutes KB comments and the Public reports pack 11th-Jun-2024 10.00 Strategic Planning Committee.