North Yorkshire Council
Skipton and Ripon Area Committee
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 12th December 2024, commencing at 10.00am.
Officers present: Richard Binks, Head of Major Projects and Infrastructure; Julia Stack, Community Safety & CCTV Manager; Darren Griffiths, Traffic Engineering; Sharon Graham, Housing Strategy, Partnerships & Enabling Manager; Angela Walmsley, Senior Housing Enabler Officer; Sarah Close, Housing Policy and Strategy Officer; Adam Gray, Strategic Service Development Manager; and David Smith, Senior Democratic Services Officer.
In attendance: Councillor George Jabbour; and Eleanor Nossiter, Head of Communications & Engagement for the Securing the Future Programme – Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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Apologies for Absence
An apology for absence was received from Councillor Andy Brown.
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Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 November 2024
Considered
The minutes of the meeting of the Skipton and Ripon Area Committee held on 21 November 2024.
Resolved
a) That the Minutes of the meeting of the Skipton and Ripon Area Committee held on 21 November 2024, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
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Declarations of Interest
There were none.
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Public Participation
Two public statements were received.
1) The Chair declared that the public statement received from Gareth Adams, Bentham Town Mayor, would be dealt with under Item 9 of the agenda.
2) A statement was received from Edwin Rothwell and the wording was as follows.
Hello, my name is Edwin Rothwell and I have set up a Community Interest Company called Heart of Skipton, with a primary aim of supporting community events. I will be taking the lead on the Pride celebrations for 2025 in Skipton, and I’m pleased to say that planning for this event is coming together.
The CIC that I run has a vision to move into community housing and regeneration projects in Skipton.
I would like to draw the Committee’s attention to the regeneration area identified in the Craven Local Plan as SK139. (Refer to Image 1). I believe now is the right time for site assembly to take place, to ensure that Regeneration happens.
Why now? The lease on B&M Retail is due to expire in July 2026. This site represents about 50% of the SK139 Regeneration area. If B&M Retail renews the lease for another 10 years, we will not be able to see Regeneration take place, because the Local Plan will not permit a piecemeal approach. Failure to act now, will see the town lose the advantages of Regeneration, lose the economic potential of the site, and lose a housing opportunity.
The Craven Local Plan stated, and I quote, “Site assembly powers will be considered for use where it is expedient, appropriate and necessary for regeneration to succeed.” We have a need for housing, and all the best development land in Skipton is council owned, and tied up with car parking. The car parks are sprawling surface-level sites which are relatively economically inefficient.
The north and west sides of Coach Street car park could become an area of housing. (Refer to Image 2). We would create this housing by taking control of SK139, and building a public multi-story car park, on the B&M site, where we can decant the car parking from Coach Street to enable housing. This would be combined with the wholesale Regeneration of Cavendish Street, Waller Hill bus station, a wheelchair-accessible Gallows Bridge.
The creation of a Civic Square on either Waller Hill or Cavendish Street, would provide a much needed events space. This will reduce High Street closures, and boost economic activity by allowing large scale events to take place on the same day as the market, providing a double hit of visitors.
The economic advantages are huge, and I would like to ask that you would work with me to look into feasibility and community engagement around this Regeneration project. I believe these new uses will satisfy the usage criteria set out in the Craven Local Plan, to; and I quote, “complement and underpin the role and function of this part of Skipton whilst supporting the town centre as a whole”.
Thank you!
The following response was read out on behalf of Officers by David Smith.
In order to realise the planned housing and employment growth set out in the Craven Local Plan, Policy SP5: Spatial Strategy for Skipton sets out a number of site allocations to meet the needs in the town. The Craven Local Plan supports proposals for development subject to compliance with the development principles for each sites set out in the policy.
Site SK139, land east and west of Cavendish Street, Skipton is identified as a retail led mixed use opportunity regeneration site offering potential to enhance this part of the town, meeting retail, commercial and leisure requirements in addition to providing environmental improvements and enhance connections in the town. Specific development principles for this site relate to flood risk, heritage, the proximity of the Leeds Liverpool Canal to the site and access.
In addition, the policy requires a masterplan to be produced for the site, in consultation with key stakeholders and to the satisfaction of the local planning authority. The aim of this masterplan is to incorporate each development principle and ensure there is a comprehensive approach to the regeneration of this area. Proposals will then be expected to accord with the principles of it.
In accordance with the policy, the former Craven District Council commissioned the preparation of a masterplan, encompassing both site SK139 and site SK140, the second site allocated in the Craven Local Plan as a regeneration opportunity. Following Local Government Reorganisation and the creation of the Combined Authority the Council is developing a process and will undertake, a review of town centre masterplans across North Yorkshire, including Skipton, which will involve public consultation, and which we hope Edwin Rothwell will engage with.
The policy recognises that the area is within a range of ownerships (including NYC), that assembling the site will influence delivery timescales and that site assembly powers will be considered for use where necessary.
The Council is committed to working with landowners, developers and interested groups to ensure the opportunity to regenerate this area, in line with Craven Local Plan policy is realised.
The Committee recognised that the land may be suitable for alternate use, but also that it is an important employment site where significant investments have been made. It was also recognised that there are economic and resource pressures that may inhibit development at this time. Members thanked Edwin Rothwell, provided reassurance that this subject would be explored and were pleased that members from the community were raising issues such as this.
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Exclusion of the Public
Resolved
That the public is excluded from the meeting for the duration of Item 12 on the agenda as the information relates to the financial or business affairs of a particular person (including the authority holding that information).
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Airedale Hospital Rebuild
Eleanor Nossiter provided an update on the progress of the Airedale Hospital rebuild. Members were informed that in order to allow the current hospital to continue to provide high quality services throughout the process, work is currently being done to develop areas where the existing hospital doesn’t lie. This includes the development of a multi-storey car park, new access road, new electricity substation and nursery.
The following key points were raised during the discussion.
· It was confirmed that as Airedale Hospital has reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), it’s rebuild is outside of the review of the New Hospital Programme. · Members were informed that there were currently no planned changes for other hospitals within the area (e.g. Skipton General Hospital and Castleberg Community Hospital). The Airedale Hospital rebuild is going ahead primarily due to the RAAC and other provisions will be reviewed in the future. Members asked that they be kept informed of any changes regarding these other hospitals. Comments were made in support of providing more care at these hospitals. · Regarding public transport, Members were informed that there were no plans to change the current bus services to the hospital and that improvements to the access of Steeton and Silsden railway station are being explored. There was a particular focus on improving bus services between the railway station and hospital. There were also comments on building a new railway station to service the hospital. Overall, feedback suggested that the majority of people want to travel to the hospital by car. · There were comments regarding the environmental commitment, with some Members suggesting that a firmer promise could be given. · Comments were made regarding paying for parking and whether the cost of this could be reduced. It was reported that there was positive feedback for paying on exit as people would only be charged for what they had used. · It was reported that work is being done to improve access for wheelchair accessible vehicles and to include drop-off and short-stay parking. · There were concerns regarding the increase in hard surfacing and the required flood alleviation, but Members were reassured that this had been investigated and was taken account of.
Resolved
a) That the update be noted.
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Kex Gill Update
Richard Binks presented a works progress update on the A59 Kex Gill capital project. The following key points were raised during his presentation:
· Members were informed that this is the biggest highways scheme that North Yorkshire Council, or it’s predecessor North Yorkshire County Council, has ever undertaken. · The full length of the highway has been stripped back and most of the below-ground work has been finished. The cut and fill operations are almost complete. A new outfall pond has been produced for drainage, and this will create a new wetland habitat for wildlife. · In March 2025, the above-ground earthworks operation will start. · The current focus is on the drainage work. · A temporary haul road has been built, but will be removed upon completion of the project. · Large amounts of dry-stone walling has been removed and rebuilt in a new location. · The beck in the bottom of the valley has been diverted. The bottom of the valley was a flood plain and so significant work has been done to replace unsatisfactory material. · Concrete piling has been put in place to support the banking. Members were informed that following work, the ground must be left to stabilise for a period of time. · Band drains, which absorb the water, have been put in place. · Information was provided on the serious land slips seen in 2024 where the new road will be joining the current road. Whilst the work following this slip costed circa £2million, it was essential to future-proof the area for the new road. This expenditure was not planned, but would have been essential for the new road. · The new highway is on track to be opened in June 2026.
The following key points were raised during the discussion:
· The new road is future-proofed and so should not slip. · The current road will need to be completely closed for a short period at the end of the process in order for the final surfacing to take place. Local people and businesses will be given at least six weeks notice before the closure. There will be temporary traffic lights as the new road is linked in with the current road. · Where possible, underground infrastructure, such as utility ducts, has been placed to the side of the new road to avoid frequent re-surfacing. Drainage infrastructure must be under the road. · Local dry stone wallers were used, but as it is an Irish firm doing the work, some workers were imported. · Potential overspend is being monitored predominantly by the NEC supervisory team who monitor the additional expenditure. · Once the new road is complete, the current road will be completely closed, other than local access to a lodge currently situated there. Members suggested that the current road be used as a foot or cycle path, but it was reported that it is too unstable and would be liability for NYC Highways.
Resolved
a) That the update is noted.
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Community Safety & CCTV Update
Julia Stack introduced the report, provided a presentation and a discussion followed, the key points of which are highlighted below.
· Officers are looking to get North Yorkshire Police to AC meetings. There was a discussion on whether updates should be reported to NYC or to Parish and Town Council meetings and it was felt that updates should come to the AC. · Craven District Council found it hard to roll out CCTV across the rural area, but hopefully NYC can succeed. · Members queried why knife bins had been implemented and whether there is a knife crime issue in North Yorkshire. It was explained that knife bins aren’t only to combat criminal activity, but to promote the responsible disposal of knives. Whilst there has been knife crime in North Yorkshire, it is not as prevalent as in more urban areas. · The Rural Watch programmes, led by North Yorkshire Police, are ongoing and updates on these can be provided to a future meeting. · There is proactive surveillance of the CCTV. Control rooms are in contact with the police and receive live updates to assist. Harrogate and Scarborough control rooms are 24/7. · CCTV is in place to detect crime as a principal purpose, and so whilst Officers won’t be obstructive if other NYC services request access, they must be careful. Harrogate has a sub-control room at Boroughbridge where NYC Highways can monitor traffic on a number of cameras. · Regarding a specific query about CCTV in Boroughbridge, Members were informed that this CCTV is maintained by the Town Council but, as it is not monitored, requests for information would come after an event has taken place. · Officers were thanked for the work that they do with Ripon BID. · The Prevent Programme is still a priority in the Skipton and Ripon area.
Resolved
a) That the update be noted.
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Receipt of Petition Titled '20mph speed limit for High and Low Bentham'
The Chair called upon Gareth Adams, Bentham Town Mayor, to read his below statement.
Good morning, my name is Gareth Adams and I’m the Chair of Bentham Town Council.
I wish to speak on item 9 on your agenda “Receipt of Petition Titled '20mph speed limit for High and Low Bentham”
During my time on Bentham Town Council we have continually tried to improve road safety within the Bentham parish, particularly in respect of that of pedestrians.
We have been disappointed on a number of occasions but we have had some successes such as:
· Repetitive requests for enforcement cameras for problem areas. · Partaking in a scheme to use vehicle activated signs when available, although sadly not currently. · Changes to parking arrangements. · The road narrowed and a pavement installed on the B6480 at Mount Pleasant, unfortunately, after a member of the public was hit by a vehicle. · And some works to provide safe routes to school, when the new primary school was built.
Most of these have been hard to achieve, financial restrictions, practicalities on the ground and policy and protocol all playing their part. Bizarrely it would seem we need injuries and worse to back up requests, rather than gut feeling, chat in the street and near misses, some significant. When the school was to be built for example, countless meetings between the Town Council, Highways Engineers, Education Department and town planners took place, ultimately leading to the Town Council accepting the current arrangement which was the best achieved at the time, but knew would be questioned in years to come.
The Council received notice of the petition on the agenda today from residents of Bentham. It also received a significant number of letters from the primary school pupils detailing their concerns about speeding. Our local Bentham News is regularly full of the topic. In response to this we commissioned 5 sites to be surveyed. These were chosen by Council with a view to being suitable for 20mph limits to be implemented. The criteria being that of a mean speed of 24mph or less. These were duly surveyed and the results presented in your paper. It’s interesting to note that the same data was presented to Bentham Town Council, but recommends that 4 out of the 5 are not suited. Hopefully the recommendations of your officers suggesting potentially 4 out of 5 sites are suitable can be upheld today.
North Yorkshire seems to be a bit of an outlier in response to road safety, whether it be that of 20mph zones, improved pedestrian safety or enforcement. As we move towards nippy practically silent electric vehicles, an increasingly vulnerable population of increasing numbers, we need policy and improvements to reflect that and not of infrequent clattery, steady away Austin 7s and Model T Fords.
Bentham Town Council has put a small amount of money in its precept for next year hopefully to use for items such as vehicle activated signs or more surveys if that’s what is needed. But we really look to you endorsing this petition and working outward (not inward) with where we drill the holes for the posts for the 20mph roundels.
Many thanks for your time.
The Chair called upon Kevin Watt to introduce the petition as it’s co-organiser. The following key points were raised during the presentation of the petition.
· Mr Watt was pleased that Officers had recommended 20mph speed limits on a number of streets, but highlighted that many had been left out. In particular Station Road, Burton Road, Robin Lane and outside the primary school, where there are narrow pavements, no pavements, residential care facilities or children. · There is significant support for a 20mph speed limit within the community. · Mr Watt highlighted situations where he had been forced to walk on the road. He informed Members of a teenager that was severely injured by a vehicle. He also raised that individuals had failed their driving tests for travelling at 30mph as it was deemed unsafe. · Members were informed of the results of a survey where children at the school said, unprompted, that one of their main concerns was the speed of cars. Parents who signed the petition say that the walk to school makes them feel anxious and is unpleasant. Children should take priority. · Information on successes in Wales and Calderdale were raised. This included a reduction in deaths and serious injuries, savings for the NHS and levels of public support. · Mr Watt requested that the item be deferred until after he had the opportunity to present a detailed map highlighting roads that should, in his view, have a 20mph speed limit.
Darren Griffiths provided the below clarification on a number of points.
· Regarding the discrepancy seen in the report and that received by the Parish Council, it was clarified that the latter was a draft response, and the former the final one. · Regarding a 20mph zone outside the school, Members were informed that this requires further investigation, but is certainly not ruled out yet. · Robin Lane was not agreed as the speeds are high in this location, meaning that physical traffic calming measures would be required outside of people’s houses – something that was deemed to be unpopular. During the discussion, some Members suggested that decisions regarding safety should not come down to their popularity.
The Chair outlined the options available to Members and the recommendations outlined in the report. During the discussion, the following key areas were discussed.
· Members were supportive of the petition and the recommendation included in the report, but asked that the road outside the school be included. There was strong support for the road outside the school having a 20mph speed limit. · There was a discussion regarding a potential housing development near the school and the opportunities that this might bring to reduce the speed limit. · It was raised that when people feel unsafe, it has an impact on their quality of life. Investigations shouldn’t only consider deaths and injuries, but also comments from local people. · Members were not supportive of a blanket 20mph speed limit and suggested that speed limits should be set dependent on the safety of the road in question. Some felt that there should be a blanket 20mph speed limit outside schools. · Members thanked the petition organisers and Bentham Town Council for their work on this matter.
Resolved
a) That the Committee support the petition and recommend that Officers proceed to consultation on the introduction of 20mph speed limits as set out in the report.
b) That Officers continue to investigate the area outside the school with the intention of introducing a 20mph speed limit.
c) That details on the programme of 20mph reviews across North Yorkshire are circulated.
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NYC Housing Strategy, Partnerships & Enabling – Affordable Housing Overview
Sharon Graham, Angela Walmsley and Sarah Close provided a presentation, raising the following key points.
· The Housing Strategy, set by Full Council in May 2024, sets out three themes – People, Places and Homes. · Money raised from the additional second homes council tax will aim to address housing needs and affordable housing will be a priority. · Figures for the number of affordable homes built in Craven were provided. o For 2023/24, 28 affordable rent and 27 shared ownership. o Mid-year for 2024/25, 10 affordable rent and 9 shared ownership. · Figures for the number of affordable homes built in the Harrogate area were provided. o For 2023/24, 275 affordable rent, 120 social rent, 21 rent to buy and 130 shared ownership. o Mid-year for 2024/25, 121 affordable rent, 15 social rent, 6 rent to buy and 52 shared ownership.
Following the presentation, the following points were raised during a discussion.
· The higher cost of developing affordable housing in rural villages was highlighted. · Organisations and community groups are held to account to ensure that funding is well spent. · Organisations that have had success in the past are being asked to assist their peers. Community Led Housing helps to address the gaps that NYC and developers cannot fill. · It was discussed whether land where redundant council house garages are situated could be built on. Officers informed Members that, in most cases, this had already been done in the Craven and Harrogate areas. · The discussion highlighted the potential of local occupancy restrictions or rural exception policies to maintain property affordability for local residents. · It was highlighted that Members have some responsibility in speaking to landowners and searching for sites to be included on the Local Plan.
Resolved
a) That the update be noted.
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Councillors Williams, Barrett and Hull left the meeting at 12.12, 12.36 and 12.58 respectively.
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Impact of Tourism on the Skipton and Ripon Constituency
Members discussed how to progress with their concerns regarding the impact of tourism. The following points were raised.
· Members suggested that an update on the recommendations included in the Craven District Council report should be sought. · It was noted that parishes with a higher number of second homes will receive increased funding from their precept due to the rise in council tax on second homes. · Members expressed concerns about preserving North Yorkshire's reputation as a beautiful tourist destination.
Resolved
a) That an update on the recommendations included in the Craven District Council report be sought.
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EXEMPT Care Homes Update Report
Members of the public were excluded from the meeting for the duration of this item.
Adam Gray introduced an exempt report and a discussion followed. A brief summary of the discussion is below.
· There was a discussion on services that could be provided in the community, rather than by care homes. · There was a discussion on what can be done to help areas if they are struggling with care home capacity. · It was suggested that housing around care homes should be suitable for elderly people that may need to rely on a care home in the near future. There should also be housing suitable for staff at the care home and suitable infrastructure in the surrounding area. Members asked that this be fed back into the new NYC Local Plan.
Resolved
a) That the update be noted.
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Committee Work Programme
David Smith invited Members to consider, amend and add to the Committee’s work programme.
Members made the following amendments to the work programme: · The Community Safety update to include updates on Rural Watch programmes. · There was interest in an update on hospitals within the Skipton and Ripon area.
Resolved
a) That the above amendments be made to the work programme.
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Any Other Items
There were none.
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Date of Next Meeting
Thursday, 6 March 2025 at 10.00am.
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The meeting concluded at 1.42 pm.