North Yorkshire Council
Selby and Ainsty Area Committee
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 19 March 2026 commencing at 2.00pm.
Councillor Kirsty Poskitt in the Chair and Councillors Karl Arthur, Melanie Davis, Stephanie Duckett, Mike Jordan, Andrew Lee, Cliff Lunn, Bob Packham, Andy Paraskos, Jack Proud and Arnold Warneken.
Officers present: Jon Holden (Head of School Organisation and Transport) (Virtual), Louise Wilson (Head of Education Standards) (Virtual), Alex Richards (Transforming Cities Fund Programme Delivery Manager), Matt Roberts (Economic and Regeneration Project Manager), Megan Reynolds (Youth Voice and Creative Engagement Officer) (Virtual), and David Smith (Senior Democratic Services Officer).
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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185 |
Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Councillors John Cattanach, Mark Crane, Tim Grogan and Steve Shaw-Wright.
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186 |
Declarations of interest
Councillor Karl Arthur declared an interest in Item 8: Selby Station Gateway Update, stating that he is employed by Network Rail, an organisation involved in the project, and is also the Managing Director of a company that owns part of the land included within the scheme. He informed the Committee that he would withdraw from the meeting for the duration of that item.
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187 |
Minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2025
Resolved
That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2025 are confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
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188 |
Minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2025
Resolved
That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2025 are confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
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189 |
Progress on issues raised at previous meetings
The Committee considered the update on progress against issues raised at previous meetings. It was noted that all but one item had been completed.
Members raised the following points. · Regarding Minute 134, a member queried when the member briefing on the Council’s property and asset list would be scheduled. An answer to this would be provided via email. · Regarding Minute 182, it was noted that officers were preparing a briefing note regarding planning‑related queries raised at the last meeting, but Members reiterated their preference for officers to attend a meeting. A query relating to Section 106 and CIL matters, including concerns about historic monitoring and the transparency of funding allocations was also raised. These points would be raised with officers following the meeting. · Regarding Minute 170, Members sought updates on how these issues had progressed. An update will be requested from the relevant officers.
Resolved
a) That the report is noted. b) That the points raised be addressed.
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190 |
Public questions and statements
No public questions or statements were received.
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191 |
Schools update
Jon Holden, Head of School Organisation and Transport, and Louise Wilson, Head of Education Standards, presented the annual report on schools in the area, which included information on school standards, exclusions, SEND, funding, governance, and school place planning. The data reflected the position as at 31 August, the end of the previous academic year.
Members raised the following points. · A query regarding rising school budget deficits was asked. In response, officers explained that the Council works closely with headteachers, governing bodies and finance officers, requiring financial recovery plans where needed and issuing financial notices of concern in some cases. · A query regarding North Yorkshire’s low national funding ranking was asked. In response, officers confirmed that the Council continues to lobby MPs and Government for fairer funding. · A query regarding the deficit position of the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) was asked. In response, officers acknowledged national pressures on PRUs and confirmed that support continues to be provided locally. · A query regarding governor vacancies was asked. In response, officers noted that governor recruitment is challenging nationally, but the Council’s governance service supports recruitment campaigns and provides ongoing advice. · A query regarding future school place pressures in Sherburn in Elmet, arising from significant housing growth, was asked. In response, officers agreed with the concerns raised, confirmed that newer planning applications have been factored into updated forecasts, and advised that discussions with governing bodies and academy trusts regarding possible expansion are ongoing, with a report expected to the Executive. Officers confirmed that they would share the updated forecasts and keep the relevant Member informed when the forthcoming Executive report is being taken. · A query regarding the future viability of the local authority’s education role in a largely academised system was asked. In response, officers confirmed that statutory responsibilities – including school place planning, admissions and safeguarding – would remain with the Council regardless of academisation levels. · A query regarding elective home education and potential links to delays in SEND assessments was asked. In response, officers advised that the detailed data was not available at the meeting and that a written update would be provided. · A query regarding access to the Inclusive Mainstream School Toolkit was asked. In response, officers confirmed that the toolkit would be circulated to Members.
Resolved
a) That the report be noted. b) That the information requested by Members be provided.
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192 |
Selby Station Gateway update
Councillor Karl Arthur left the meeting for the duration of this item (2:32pm).
Alex Richards, Transforming Cities Fund Programme Delivery Manager, and Matt Roberts, Economic and Regeneration Project Manager, delivered a presentation outlining the current position of the Selby Station Gateway project. The key points were as follows. · An overview of the scheme was provided, explaining that it is a £30m investment aimed at improving sustainable transport, encouraging modal shift, enhancing air quality and stimulating economic activity. The scheme focuses on the train and bus stations, Selby Park and key pedestrian and cycling links, with the intention of creating a more attractive, accessible and integrated gateway into the town. · The funding position was outlined, noting that the project is supported through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, administered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and is supplemented by local transport grant from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, along with newly secured Active Travel England funding. · The main components of the scheme were summarised, including a new station plaza on the former business park site, pedestrian‑priority improvements on Station Road, enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes through Selby Park, improvements to the bus station, new access to Platform 2 supported by a new car park, and the closure of Denison Road Canal Bridge to vehicles. It was also noted that improvements to the station building remain an ambition, subject to future funding. · An explanation of the programme delays was given, highlighting several interrelated issues including expired planning consents requiring renewal, the need for further ecological work due to bat activity, delays in securing planning permission for the contractor’s compound, design alterations required once contractors were on site, and outstanding Network Rail consents that were nearing completion. · An update on the revised programme was provided, stating that contractor mobilisation is expected in April and demolition works are planned to begin in May, subject to ecological clearance. It was emphasised that maintaining the critical path is essential to minimise disruption and avoid additional costs once work begins. · A high‑level construction phasing plan was presented, including the creation of a new two‑way station access and car park, utility diversions and demolition, new platform access construction, improvements to Station Road and the bus terminus, and final junction upgrades at the A19. The importance of maintaining adequate station parking throughout the works was highlighted. · Information on future phases was provided, noting that improvements to the Selby Station building remain under consideration and are dependent on Network Rail securing design funding. It was also confirmed that the Bawtry Road underpass element has been reinstated following the identification of an alternative location and the securing of Active Travel England funding, with the feature having been strongly supported through public consultation.
During the discussion, Members raised the following points. · Members expressed frustration at the length of time it had taken for the project to progress, but welcomed the update that works were now expected to begin shortly. · In response to a question, officers confirmed that demolition works were due to start in May 2026. · A query regarding whether any further wildlife issues might delay the scheme was asked. In response, officers stated that they did not anticipate any additional ecological constraints. Members also commented that delays should not be attributed solely to wildlife. · Concerns were raised regarding the condition of the site. Regarding potholes and damage to walls, concerns were raised that these weren’t being repaired due to the scheduled work. Regarding the Railway Club building still being in place, Members felt this could lead to antisocial behaviour and potential safety risks. · Members welcomed the news that the Bawtry Road underpass element, previously removed from the scheme, was now able to proceed. · Members emphasised the importance of ensuring that any changes to the station frontage and wider gateway area remained in keeping with the character of the town, rather than appearing out of place.
Resolved
a) That the update be noted.
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193 |
Selby Town Investment Plan update
Councillor Karl Arthur returned to the meeting at this point (2:51pm).
Councillor Andrew Lee joined the meeting during this item (2:53pm).
The Committee received an update on the Selby Town Investment Plan. It was noted that the presenting officer was unable to attend the meeting, but had offered to provide an informal briefing for Members following the meeting.
Members raised the following points in the discussion. · A query regarding planned works to the Selby Market Place was asked as Members reported that works were expected to begin in February but did not appear to have started. This matter would be followed up with the relevant officers. · Concerns were raised regarding proposals for padel courts within Selby Park. Members noted that a local community centre had already secured planning permission for padel courts and expressed the view that further courts in the park may not meet local need. Members suggested that more general multi‑use facilities, such as MUGAs, would better serve a wider range of residents and avoid duplication.
Resolved
a) That the update be noted.
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194 |
Youth Councils update
Megan Reynolds, Youth Voice and Creative Engagement Officer, provided an update on the work to establish a Youth Council in the Selby area. Members were informed that previous attempts to create a youth council in the area had not succeeded, but that recent interest from local young people had enabled the formation of a new group under the name Selby and Surrounding Youth Council.
Members were advised that the group currently has three members and has met twice. There is a strong focus on politics, community involvement and youth led initiatives. The group has developed a poster and logo and has chosen its first project: producing a presentation and video about the importance of youth participation in politics and dispelling myths associated with political engagement. One member has volunteered to trial the presentation in their school.
The Youth Council expressed an interest in hearing Members’ perspectives on issues affecting young people, receiving assistance with recruitment, and identifying potential guest speakers. A tour of local youth centres and youth clubs will also be undertaken to support recruitment.
Members raised the following points in the discussion: · A query was raised regarding the inclusion of the Ainsty area within the Youth Council’s remit. Members and officers offered to support wider recruitment and help ensure full inclusivity across all divisions represented in the Committee area. · Comments were made highlighting the value of activities such as debating competitions, work experience opportunities and involvement in community groups. Members offered to share contacts, provide support and help connect the Youth Council with relevant local organisations, including youth spaces and charities. · Concerns were raised about challenges engaging with schools, with Members noting previous difficulties in securing access for youth focused initiatives. Members offered assistance in making introductions to local schools, colleges and youth providers. · A query regarding how the Youth Council interacts with existing primary school councils was asked. In response, it was confirmed that the Youth Council is intended for young people aged 11 and above and does not link directly to primary aged groups. · Members offered venue suggestions, including local community centres and youth spaces, for future in person meetings as the group develops beyond online sessions. · The Committee expressed strong support for the development of the Youth Council and welcomed ongoing updates as the work progresses.
Resolved
a) That the update be noted.
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195 |
Appointments to outside bodies
The Committee considered a report inviting nominations to three outside body positions.
Councillor Arnold Warneken provided contextual information regarding the appointments, including clarification on meeting arrangements and the level of commitment required, particularly in relation to the trustee role.
No Members present came forward to volunteer for any of the positions. Members requested that those not in attendance be contacted to determine whether they wished to be considered for nomination.
It was also noted that the positions did not necessarily need to be filled by Members of the Selby and Ainsty Area Committee, and that appointments could be made from the wider Council membership if required.
Resolved
a) That absent Members be contacted to identify whether they wish to fill the vacancies. b) That, should no nominations be received, the matter be referred back to the Executive for consideration of appointments from elsewhere in the Council.
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196 |
Updates from the Area Committee's MPs
The Committee considered the written updates provided by the Area Committee’s MPs. Members were reminded that MPs are invited to attend each meeting, both in‑person and online, and that the invitation remains open.
Members highlighted that one of the MP updates focussed on a single, very important, issue, but they requested that future updates reflect a wider range of matters affecting the area. Members offered to provide MPs with a list of topics that they hoped could be included in future reports if helpful.
The Committee wished to raise with the Area’s MPs its concerns regarding the current system of education funding. Members noted that the funding model continues to rely on historic budget data, resulting in the area starting from an artificially low baseline within the national funding formula. It was felt that this makes it challenging for local schools to secure an equitable level of funding without a fundamental review of the system. It was highlighted that although funding has risen, the structural imbalance has not been corrected. It was requested that this issue be raised with both MPs to highlight the need for the funding approach to be refreshed to deliver a fairer settlement for North Yorkshire’s schools and to seek their views on the matter.
Members thanked both MPs for their updates.
Resolved
a) That the updates be noted. b) That the Committee write to the Area MPs to raise concerns regarding education funding.
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197 |
Work programme
The Committee considered its work programme and discussed potential items for inclusion at future meetings. Members raised the following points in the discussion.
· A request was made for an update on Maltkiln, given its relevance to the Committee’s area. · It was suggested that Yorkshire Water be invited to a future meeting to provide information on infrastructure pressures, investment plans, and the impact of water and wastewater systems on the environment, including river pollution. Members agreed that if Yorkshire Water were invited, they should be contacted in advance with any specific questions to ensure the appropriate officers attend. · Enforcement was identified as a subject of particular interest, and Members agreed that this should be added to the work programme.
Resolved
a) That the work programme be updated to reflect the above discussion.
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198 |
Any other items
There were no other items to discuss.
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199 |
Date of next meeting
Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 2:00pm in Selby Civic Centre.
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The meeting concluded at 3.19 pm.