Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies received from Cllr Mason

It was considered that the Minutes had been approved by a Policy and Resources Committee; however, notwithstanding this, Cllr Potter moved that the minutes were approved and Cllr Goodrick seconded.

Questions for Officers

Members sought clarity from Officers on a number of matters relating to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and its implications in terms of the Review of the Ryedale Plan.

Officers explained that Members of the North Yorkshire Council will be tasked with signing-off any new policy; this will include any decision about whether the Review is subsumed into the creation of a new Local Plan, or if it is ‘twin-tracked’, resulting in a standalone document. A decision on this is anticipated by 17 May 2023.

Cllr Potter expressed his support for a standalone Ryedale Plan.

Cllr Thackray expressed his desire for thorough consideration of air quality matters.

The format of the Local Plan has not been agreed. Cllr Goodrick confirmed that, as an appointee of the future Area Committee, she would be seeking to ensure that there is consideration of area-specific planning policy as well as the strategic planning policy within the Local Plan.

Considering responses to the Key Decisions Consultation

Cllr Andrews explained that the figures within the Agenda item did not account for 42 responses to a publication produced and distributed by Malton Town Council. 

Regarding responses to Question 1 – re the ‘plan-for’ figure of 200 homes pa

Members discussed the impact on air quality should any more development be allocated to Malton and Norton. The matter of providing additional infrastructure, including active travel routes, was also discussed.

Cllr Goodrick pointed-out that the election of a Mayor presents some uncertainty with respect to priorities and objectives.

Regarding responses to Question 2 – re proceeding with spatial distribution ‘Option 2’

Cllr Andrews stated the question was misleading and that it could not be assumed that those who disagree with Option 2 also agree with Option 1.

Regarding responses to Question 3 – re the categorisation of service villages

Cllr Andrews stated that he was disappointed that an option which ‘grouped’ villages together was not being considered, stating that catchment areas of villages should be considered, factoring-in their collective service provision.

Cllr Docwra stated that most village residents would object to more houses within their parishes and that there should balanced consideration.

Cllr Frank stated her support for a policy whereby any future growth in villages was dictated by their existing size and developed proportionately. Cllr Frank also argued that it is unrealistic to consider that public transport is likely to increase in popularity because residents will continue to use their own cars.

Cllr Goodrick stated that some villages can take more development but that we need to be mindful of the AONB and the National Park.

Cllr Potter explained some degree of development can be appropriate as it helps retain local services.

Regarding responses to Question 4 – re the deletion of the Local Needs Occupancy Condition (LNOC)

Cllr Docwra asked about the LNOC given that the uncertainty about the structure of planning policy.

Officers explained that the condition would remain until it is superseded by a new Local Plan. However, the condition may not be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

Wentworth Street Car Park and Ryedale House site submissions

Members discussed the submission of sites by the District Council for potential housing development: specifically affordable housing or extra-care facilities on land at Wentworth Street Car Park and Ryedale House.

Cllr Andrews reiterated his concerns about further development creating more pollution and negative impact on the local road network, particularly the County Bridge level crossing.

Cllr Thackray suggested that an air quality assessment should be included with any submission.

Energy Efficiency

Cllr Potter queried what impact the District Council can have on energy efficiency matters given LGR.

Officers explained that a meeting of Officers and Members of the new Council was forthcoming to scope areas of focus – specifically with respect to climate change and the ability to consider more strategically the policy approach. Cllrs Potter, Thackray and Goodrick expressed an interest in attending this meeting.

(Postscript: the meeting was confirmed as an officer-level meeting for ongoing scoping of work and Members advised thus)

Meeting closed 20:05.