North Yorkshire Council
Richmond (Yorks) Area Committee
Minutes of the meeting held on Monday, 29 June 2026 commencing at 10.00 am
Councillor Yvonne Peacock in the Chair and Councillors Caroline Dickinson, Kevin Foster, Bryn Griffiths, Carl Les, Heather Moorhouse, Karin Sedgwick, Angus Thompson, David Webster, John Weighell OBE, Annabel Wilkinson and Peter Wilkinson
Officers present: Helenor Gwatkin – Senior Community Safety Officer, Paul Romans – Community Safety & CCTV Manager, Joe Russell – Principal Regeneration Officer, T/Insp Ciaran Conlon – North Yorkshire Police and Insp Rory Sadler – North Yorkshire Police
Other attendees: Malcolm Warne
Apologies: Councillors Stuart Parsons and Steve Watson.
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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Election of a Chair
Councillor Dickinson proposed and Councillor Weighell seconded that Councillor Yvonne Peacock be elected Chair of Richmond (Yorks) Area Committee.
Decision
That Councillor Yvonne Peacock be appointed as Chair of Richmond (Yorks) Area Committee until the first meeting of the Committee following the Council’s Annual General Meeting in 2027.
The Chair advised that the MP would speak to the committee before item 6 on the agenda, due to his other commitments.
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Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Stuart Parsons and Steve Watson.
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Election of a Vice Chair
Councillor Peacock proposed and Councillor Weighell seconded that Councillor Caroline Dickinson be elected Vice Chair of Richmond (Yorks) Area Committee.
Decision
That Councillor Caroline Dickinson be appointed as Vice Chair of Richmond (Yorks) Area Committee until the first meeting of the Committee following the Council’s Annual General Meeting in 2027.
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Minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2026
Decision
That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2026 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record, subject to the following amendments.
Minute 191, point 1 paragraph 3 should read “A Member proposed asking the Executive (Executive Member) to consider offering the same discretion to Middleham and Spennithorne and Bainbridge and Aiskew (and any future federations).”
Minute 191, point 3 paragraph 3 should read “The Council has committed to working with schools during the course of the phased implementation of the policy to monitor its impact, and also to undertake a review of the implementation of the policy.
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Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest.
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Public questions or statements
From Chris Johnson, on behalf of Stokesley Town Council.
1. I would like to briefly touch on two issues on today’s agenda that are of particular importance to Stokesley and the surrounding area.
Firstly, before the Committee receives the formal update from LINK, I wanted to thank Members and Rishi for the support shown to the Stokesley Banking Hub campaign since I last addressed this Committee in March.
This is a campaign that Cllr Bryn Griffiths and I have been leading for over a year, working with residents, businesses and community organisations to make the case for a Banking Hub in Stokesley.
We were delighted when LINK confirmed that Stokesley had been recommended for a Banking Hub. While there is still work to do before it becomes operational, this is a major milestone and reflects the strength of local support for the campaign.
That support has helped ensure that the voice of Stokesley and the surrounding area has been heard.
The work is not finished. Bryn and I remain actively involved, working with stakeholders on potential locations, keeping local businesses and residents updated, and helping to ensure the hub is delivered as quickly as possible.
2. The following statement was made at item 9 of the agenda
Secondly, I would like to raise an issue relating to CCTV.
Are Members aware that this Council charges North Yorkshire Police to access CCTV footage? Are they also aware that North Yorkshire Council appears to be one of only a handful of councils in the country to do so?
Most councils take the view that residents are best served by working alongside the police to prevent and solve crime, rather than placing restrictions or financial barriers in the way of accessing potential evidence.
The income generated from these charges is minimal given the context of the Council’s overall budget. However, the potential consequences are much greater. Every request requires additional administration, additional time and additional public resources. More importantly, any barrier to accessing CCTV footage risks discouraging its use or delaying access to evidence that could help identify offenders, secure convictions and keep our communities safe.
Residents expect CCTV cameras to be there to support law enforcement and protect the public. They do not expect one public body to charge another for access to evidence gathered for that very purpose.
I am therefore formally seeking this Committee’s backing for my proposal that these charges be abolished and that North Yorkshire Police be given immediate and unrestricted access to CCTV footage for the purposes of preventing and detecting crime.
Surely our shared priority should be making it as easy as possible to solve crime and keep residents safe.
From Suzy Wilson. Ms Wilson was unable to attend the meeting, so the following statement was read by Councillor Angus Thompson.
I am speaking on behalf of the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group.
Firstly, we are very grateful for the Right Honourable MP Rishi Sunak for mentioning us last Thursday, 11th June 2026, in the House of Commons. This was a significant moment for the campaign, bringing it to the heart of where the decisions are made. Also for his recognition of Cllr. Angus Thompson, who has supported the campaign since its early stages.
The proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm is one of the most significant developments ever proposed for our area. It has the potential to affect our landscape, environment, tourism economy, local infrastructure and the daily lives of residents across Richmondshire for generations to come.
Given the scale and importance of this proposal, local people are asking a simple question: what are Richmondshire-based members of this committee doing to ensure that local voices are properly heard and represented throughout this process?
I am told that many in the local North Yorkshire communities feel they are not being engaged with by North Yorkshire county and local councillors. My understanding is that Richmond should be scoped into the consultation. Along with a wider reach, such as Leyburn. While we appreciate that the final decision may ultimately rest with the Secretary of State, the communities and councils can take back some control and can impact the final decision. It does not have to be developer lead. Also this should not prevent North Yorkshire Council from actively engaging with local communities, gathering evidence and developing an informed position on behalf of its residents.
Durham County Council Planning arranged a meeting with affected parish councils and elected representatives to discuss the NSIP process in which we find Hope Moor Wind Farm proposal on. This proved very helpful. Also some of the county and town councillors are working across party lines to understand the implications of the scheme and ensure local concerns are properly considered. They are being very proactive in their efforts. This is above party politics.
Would North Yorkshire county and town councillors who are in a position to oppose this proposal be able to help coordinate a county-wide understanding of the impacts of this proposal?
Also are North Yorkshire Council able to bring together the parish councils, Parish meeting representatives and other interested bodies, to a meeting regarding the current energy NSIP process in which this proposal sits? This would educate, reassure and enable such people to confidently engage with the process. And also to stop ad hoc interpretations being put into practice. The community engagement is a significant aspect of the pre application stage, such an input would be very helpful.
“This is about the future of the place we live, the character of our communities, and the wellbeing of the people who call this area home. As the communities’ awareness and understanding increases they are looking towards cross party councillors to provide leadership and strong engagement.” (Jo Foster, community representative)
Residents want to see councillors speaking with one voice on behalf of Richmondshire and working collaboratively to ensure this proposal receives the rigorous scrutiny it deserves. The communities affected by this proposal deserve nothing less.
Thank you
(Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group)
The Chair responded that North Yorkshire Council had made representations to the stage one consultation and scoping submission which closed on 30 June 2026.
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Update from the MP
The Right Hon Rishi Sunak MP attended the meeting and gave the following update.
GP services in Reeth – Mr Sunak recognised the challenges faced to bring this to a conclusion but confirmed engagement with Richmond Primary Care Network and the South Tees Trust to ensure a sustainable future. Mr Sunak thanked a number of people and organisations who had worked together to achieve this outcome.
Hope Moor Wind Farm - the plans for this project were unveiled last year and Mr Sunak has met with the developer. The proposal was to build 23 turbines up to 200 meters high between Swaledale and Teasdale. The application would be decided by the Secretary of State under a streamlined planning procedure. Mr Sunak committed to ensure that all viewpoints were reflected in the process. Mr Sunak raised concerns in parliament about the visual impact in a nationally important landscape and the possible damage to peatlands.
A66 - the upgrade and duelling was confirmed but the timeline had not yet been clarified.
Traffic congestion around Catterick and Colburn – Mr Sunak had convened a meeting with representatives from Catterick Garrison, Councillor Foster and Councillor Les. It was agreed that the next step would be an up-to-date traffic survey which North Yorkshire Council would carry out.
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LINK banking hub provision for Stokesley
Adam Wilkinson, Senior Public Affairs Manager at LINK attended to provide background and update the committee on the decision to provide a Banking Hub in Stokesley.
Mr Wilkinson explained that LINK ran the cash machine network across the UK and were the organisation which tracked bank closures across the country and recommended additional shared services where they may be required. This remit was defined in legislation and regulated to protect access to cash withdrawals and deposits.
An assessment may be conducted as a result of bank branch closure or in response to a community request. The previous assessment for Stokesley was undertaken as a result of a bank branch closure but at the time of the assessment it very narrowly did not meet the criteria and threshold for recommending a banking hub.
On receipt of the recent request for second assessment, it was found that the threshold had been met for the criteria for a banking hub, which was 70 cash relevant retailers and at least 10,000 adults that lived close to the retail centre.
Once a banking hub had been recommended the process then passed to Cash Access UK, a bank owned infrastructure company, which would find suitable premises and set up the banking hub. Under legislation, at least a temporary hub must be operating within 12 weeks of the recommendation, and it was hoped that a temporary hub would be operational by the end of August.
Members emphasised that users want face-to-face conversations with their bank representatives, and it was explained that this service would be available in the hub. There would be a counter service which any customer of any of the major high street banks would be able to use for cash services and a private consultation room staffed by community bankers from the top five most popular banks in Stokesley. This would provide access to more complex services. Cash Access UK's website lists the offer from the individual banks.
Mr Wilkinson advised that the government had launched a review of access to banking, rather than just access to cash, in recognition that only access cash was not sufficient for communities. It was currently taking evidence and would report in October 2026. Legislation currently passing through Parliament would feed into this review if necessary.
The Chair and local Member thanked Mr Wilkinson for attending the Area Committee and thanked LINK for the decision to recommend a banking hub. The Chair also thanked Stokesley Town Council, the local MP and members of the Area Committee for their support.
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Community safety and CCTV annual update
Members received an update on the development of Community Safety Hubs across North Yorkshire. It was noted that the model of embedding Community Safety Hub Police Constables within the hubs had operated successfully in the Hambleton and Richmond areas and had since been extended across most of the county. Recruitment to the new structure was largely complete, with some outstanding arrangements on the coast.
A Joint Delivery Group had been established to drive the future development of Community Safety Hubs. The group comprised representatives from North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police, with plans to extend membership to wider partners and council departments. Its purpose was to promote best practice, innovation, consistency of service delivery, and effective responses to local needs.
Members were advised that a countywide Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy and Procedure had been approved, supported by staff training and a common operating framework. This was intended to improve consistency across former district areas while continuing to reflect local community needs.
Councillor Griffiths proposed and Councillor Foster seconded that a review of the CCTV service level agreement and charging framework, including consideration of whether North Yorkshire Police should assume responsibility for the service be undertaken. However, the motion was formally withdrawn after the Committee was informed that the CCTV service is undergoing a comprehensive strategic review. The review was examining the overall CCTV offer across North Yorkshire, including funding arrangements, service delivery models, service level agreements and the differing legacy arrangements inherited from former district councils.
Officers explained that CCTV was not a statutory service and represented a significant ongoing cost due to staffing, system maintenance and equipment replacement. Existing arrangements with North Yorkshire Police originated from agreements made with former district councils and involved financial contributions from the police towards the operation of CCTV control rooms.
Members were advised that North Yorkshire Council, as data controller, was required to operate a formal process for requests to access CCTV footage. This process was necessary for data protection compliance and the transition from DVD-based systems to digital evidence-sharing had significantly improved efficiency.
There was no North Yorkshire Council-operated public space CCTV provision in Richmond and therefore no associated charges to North Yorkshire Police for CCTV footage from that area. CCTV provision in Richmond was managed separately by Richmond Town Council, while CCTV within Catterick Garrison was operated by the Ministry of Defence.
Members discussed whether charging arrangements for CCTV footage could create barriers to police investigations.
Concerns were raised that any process involving payment or authorisation could potentially delay officers’ access to evidence. Members expressed the view that the Council should support North Yorkshire Police wherever possible and that any obstacles to the timely retrieval of evidence should be reviewed.
Police representatives clarified that the approval process for CCTV requests was not related to budgetary approval but existed to ensure compliance with data protection legislation and to provide appropriate oversight of requests. It was confirmed that requests required line manager authorisation to demonstrate operational necessity and the process was not considered burdensome by the police.
Members highlighted the historical context of the current arrangements, noting that contributions from North Yorkshire Police were originally established as a compromise when district councils retained responsibility for CCTV operations rather than transferring them wholly to the police. It was also noted that some police forces operated and funded their own CCTV systems.
Officers advised that the strategic review already underway includes consideration of all funding arrangements, operational models and service level agreements relating to public space CCTV provision.
Members received an update on anti-social behaviour issues in Great Ayton.
• Incidents had increased due to both a genuine rise in activity and improved reporting linked to a greater neighbourhood policing presence. • Police and partner agencies had implemented a range of measures, including increased patrols, engagement with British Transport Police, monitoring of rail arrivals, use of body-worn video, regular partnership meetings, and joint working through the Community Safety Hub. • With regard to CCTV provision in Great Ayton, officers explained that infrastructure constraints currently limit the installation of permanent cameras. However, options for deployable ASB cameras and alternative camera locations were being explored.
Members praised the work of the Community Safety Hub and partner organisations in addressing these issues.
Officers reported on a range of ongoing work across the Hambleton and Richmond, areas including:
• Project Spotlight activity in Richmond. • Partnership work on rural and acquisitive crime prevention. • Consideration of closure orders for problematic properties. • Night-time economy initiatives in Hambleton, including spiking awareness training and partnership working with local businesses. • Efforts to tackle graffiti and improve safety around the Hambleton underpass area. • Exploration of CCTV solutions to support enforcement and prevention activity.
Policing updates – Hambleton area
• Continued work to address anti-social behaviour in Great Ayton. • Operation Monsoon, targeting rural crime including quad bike and tool theft. • Arrests of key offenders and consideration of Criminal Behaviour Orders. • Targeted deployment of specialist police resources in identified hotspot areas. • Significant reductions in retail crime following enforcement action against prolific offenders and ongoing engagement with local retailers.
Policing updates – Richmond area
• A reduction in anti-social behaviour across the wider Richmond area, although increases had been experienced in parts of Catterick Garrison. • Successful partnership activity using diversionary measures, civil powers, and community engagement to address youth-related anti-social behaviour. • Improved conditions within the night-time economy through joint work with the Community Safety Hub, Community Alcohol Partnership, and Royal Military Police. • Positive results from Operation Passage targeting rural thefts of vehicles and plant machinery. • Work with partner organisations and neighbouring police forces to address cross-border offending. • Ongoing plans with Highways to tackle parking-related issues and associated anti-social behaviour around Richmond Falls through traffic management measures and enforcement.
Resolved
The Committee noted the updates provided by officers and police representatives, welcomed the ongoing partnership work across North Yorkshire, and agreed that the outcomes of the CCTV strategic review should be considered through the relevant scrutiny arrangements when available
Councillors Hearther Moorhouse and David Hugill left the meeting at 11.25am.
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Update on Town Investment Plans
The Committee received an update from the Principal Regeneration Officer on the progress of Town Investment Plans (TIP) in the committee area.
Members welcomed the update and the progress on the Richmond TIP.
With regard to the Hawes TIP, the committee commented that the proposed Hawes to Garsdale footpath and cycleway would be a positive contribution. The officer confirmed that the team worked closely with tourism colleagues and agreed that the footpath and cycleway would be a positive development, not just for Hawes but for the wider Dales area.
The full consultation, including drop-in events, for Leyburn was due to take place throughout July. Schools’ engagement had taken place. The target completion date for the plan for Leyburn was July 2027.
Councillor Griffiths commented that parking was an issue in Stokesley and would need to be considered when work commenced on the Stokesley TIP, particularly when considering access from the surrounding areas. The officer advised that parking issues were a consistent theme across the whole of North Yorkshire and they were working closely with the parking team and the highways team to try address the issues. TIPs helped identify issues and provide solutions, for example, in Richmond 150 extra spaces had been identified that could be brought into use over the next 5-10 years.
The primary ambition of TIPs was to improve town centres, but they also considered how towns could best serve their local areas.
Resolved
That the report be noted.
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Updates from the previous meeting
The Combined Authority would launch a 12-week consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan in August 2026. The Committee agreed to the Chair’s request to submit a response on behalf of the Committee based on the “Transport to Work and Study” feasibility study. Councillor Foster requested that any response included the difficulties that residents in rural areas face to accessing healthcare.
The consultation would be open to residents, businesses, community groups and transport users from across the region.
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Work programme
Members requested;
· A copy/detail of the Council’s submission to the Hope Moor Wind Farm stage one consultation and scoping.
· Attendance by an officer to take Members’ questions and provide more information on usage of the libraries, visitor numbers etc.
During discussion on the work programme Members requested a brief update on the resources available to the Planning team. The Development Management Team Manager for the area advised that recruitment for additional resources was ongoing. Planning Officers and Technical Officers had recently joined the team and as a result there had been an improvement in outcomes.
· Members requested an update on the resources for Planning Enforcement at the next meeting.
The Development Management Team Manager offered Members an explanation of the process to be followed for the Hope Moor Wind Farm proposal as follows.
The Constitution set out that the Strategic Planning Committee was responsible for responses as a statutory consultee to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, for which a development consent order was being sought under the Planning Act 2008.
Therefore, Officers would prepare a report with recommendations and seeking delegated authority to:
· Prepare a Local Impact Report · Contribute to a Statement(s) of Common Ground · Agree the content of the draft Development Consent Order (DCO) · Make all further necessary representations on behalf of North Yorkshire Council
The Constitution does not inform in respect of the pre-application stage.
In the case of the Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report, North Yorkshire Council had only 4 weeks to respond and therefore it was not possible to present a report to the Strategic Planning Committee.
The response to the consultation was submitted on time.
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Items for information only
Items 13 a-c were for information only.
Resolved
That the reports be noted.
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Any other items
There were no urgent items of business.
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The meeting concluded at 12.00 pm.