North Yorkshire Council
Executive
5 November 2024
Area Committee Feedback Report
Report of the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services
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1.0
1.1
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To bring to the attention of the Executive key issues considered at recent meetings of the Area Committees (ACs). |
2.0 HARROGATE AND KNARESBOROUGH AC – 12 SEPTEMBER 2024
2.1 The committee heard a petition which opposed proposed changes to the running of Knaresborough market. The Council was urged to carry out a full cost-benefit analysis to assess the impact on market traders, and engage fully with Knaresborough Town Council, residents, and the market traders. Members agreed that the community and town council should be kept at the forefront of the discussions, and resolved to urge the decision maker to continue the discussions at pace and ensure no final decision was taken until these discussions had been completed. After the meeting a letter was sent to Cllr Duncan as the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, informing him of the committee’s recommendation.
2.2 The committee also heard updates on the delivery of projects to which funding had previously been allocated from the Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund, and approved project scoping forms for further schemes funded by the remaining £30,000 in the fund. These included a feasibility study for the operation of a land train in Knaresborough and traffic sensors to monitor road use at Starbeck Level Crossing in Harrogate. Members heard that a subsequent update at the next meeting would update them on the delivery of the projects.
2.3 Members received an update on the gulley cleaning schedule in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area, which had been requested at the previous meeting. This is an issue of particular concern locally, following the flash floods in Knaresborough in May 2024. Officers updated the committee on the number of gulleys attended, the requirements to efficiently balance proactive and reactive cleaning, and to communicate effectively with residents.
2.4 As part of a regular series of updates on the delivery of active travel schemes in the area, Members received information on the progress of projects in the area, as well as an update on recruitment of an improvement project delivery officer. Members discussed the use of consultants to deliver schemes, and made specific suggestions for changes to local projects including implementing a 20 mph zone in Victoria Avenue, and renaming York Place Car Park in Knaresborough to Town Centre Car Park, to highlight its use for visitors. Officers agreed to consider these suggestions.
2.5 Members also heard an update on the outside bodies based in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area, to which the Council made appointments. This was in response to a request for information following a review of outside bodies which had taken place in 2023.
2.6 Further information about the meeting can be found here –
3.0 SKIPTON AND RIPON AC – 5 SEPTEMBER & 9 OCTOBER 2024
3.1 The Committee received a petition from the Ripon Military Heritage Trust titled ‘Save Ripon’s Military Heritage’ which sought to preserve military structures on a site at Laver Banks and repurpose huts for heritage, employment and community use. Having heard from Officers, the Trust and debated the issue, Members decided to support the petition and write to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Homes England, to express the Committee’s disquiet at the apparent disregard of the military heritage on the site. This should urge them to properly consider the preservation of the military heritage and encourage discussions between the Trust and Homes England.
3.2 The Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP attended the meeting and discussed key issues with Members. These included changes to winter fuel allowance, new housing targets and the Committee agreed to write a letter in support of the Airedale Hospital rebuild.
3.3 An update was provided on the Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund and Members were informed that the projects were making good progress. Members requested an update on the project at Engine Shed Lane, Skipton and highlighted the importance of this.
3.4 The Committee noted the Heritage, People & Place: A Placemaking Strategy for Bolton Abbey and were generally supportive of it. Any concerns were highlighted in the report to Executive on 17 September 2024.
3.5 The Committee noted updates on parish liaison and from the Youth Councils.
3.6 Members raised concerns that they had not been informed about the sale of land at Airedale Avenue and that they had been made aware via the news. There were also concerns regarding Planning Officer response times.
3.7 Further information about the meeting can be found here –
3.8 An informal session of the AC took place on 9 October 2024 where Members provided comments on the ‘Let’s Talk Rubbish’ consultation results. Their main concerns were around the number and size of household bins; communicating the change in a positive way; the effect of a new policy on lane-end collections; providing stick-on recycling instructions and collection dates and changes for holiday cottages.
3.9 At the above informal session, Members were supportive of a proposal to implement a 50mph speed limit on Ripon Road (A61 Ripon to Ripley).
3.10 An additional meeting will be established to discuss two petitions: ‘Save Ripon Market’ which received 2,865 signatures and ‘20mph speed limit for High and Low Bentham’ which received 1,031 signatures. The provisional date for this meeting is 21 November 2024 at 15:00.
4.0 SCARBOROUGH AND WHITBY AC – 3 OCTOBER 2024
4.1 Local MP Alison Hume attended to provide an overview to the committee of some of her areas of work, concerns and priorities since her election in July. This included speaking in the House about the need for a women’s refuge in Scarborough, pressing for updates on the infected blood enquiry, calling for the introduction of a registration scheme for short-term holiday lets in light of the acute housing issues in Whitby and other parts of the constituency, and highlighting the poor state of rural bus services. The MP had lobbied the Government in respect of funding for Scarborough’s Long Term Plan, was a member of both the Scarborough and Whitby Town Deal Boards and was working to deliver tenants for the new Whitby Maritime Training Hub.
4.2 The committee received a presentation on the long standing problem of motor caravans parking overnight on certain streets in coastal locations, and supported the proposal to introduce overnight motorhome parking restrictions at Sandsend, Royal Albert Drive and Cayton Bay through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). In response to a petition against the proposal to implement an ETRO on Royal Albert Drive, the committee reiterated its support for the ETRO whilst welcoming the opportunity that the six month public consultation provided to review the impact of the ETRO in relation to the concerns raised by the petitioner and so help determine what further action may be required including examining the potential provision of new facilities for motorhomes and caravans. On another highways matter, the committee received a public question raising concerns about pedestrian safety on Whitby Promenade. The committee welcomed the officer response that Highways was working with Legal Services and Parking Services to establish if a byelaw could be enforced as an interim measure before the planned implementation of the more robust permanent Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit motor vehicles on Whitby Promenade.
4.3 The committee was pleased to endorse that the Corporate Director spends a further £34,000 of the Scarborough & Whitby ACC Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund on the development of two schemes which would bring significant economic, social and health benefits to the area: safe sea swimming, and seabird nesting.
4.4 Members received a presentation by Esk Valley Railway Development Company which made a compelling case for investment in the railway line between Whitby and Middlesbrough on the strength of a newly commissioned study. The service provided year-round essential connections to education, hospitals, and shopping whilst boosting the local (including night time) economy, however was hamstrung by two problems: frequency of trains and journey time. The committee agreed to send a letter of support as requested by the EVRDC to the York and North Yorkshire and Teeside Mayors for the Strategic Business Study proposed in the report whilst also requesting an update on the Section 106 funding worth £7m resulting from the development of the potash mine which had been earmarked for service and infrastructure improvements to the line.
4.5 The committee received a presentation by officers which provided an overview of the extensive parish sector in North Yorkshire and the work of both the Parish Liaison, Local Devolution and Community Rights Team, and Local Area Support Team to support the sector.
4.6 Various additions were agreed to the committee’s work programme including updates on the de-registration of designated Children’s Centres in the area and their new use; and an update on Whitby Cliff Lift which had been out of action for some time.
4.7 Further information about the meeting can be found here:
5.0 SELBY AND AINSTY AC – 19 SEPTEMBER 2024
5.1 Chief Inspector Ryan Chapman and Sergeant Lauren McGillivray from North Yorkshire Police attended the meeting and provided an update on shop theft in the area. It was confirmed that the police were hoping to be able to introduce ShopWatch two-way radios in Selby. A review of neighbourhood policing was underway with a view to increasing police visibility and the police were working with other partners in increased youth provision to tackle anti-social behaviour.
5.2 Further to this, Lewis Wheatley, Area Organiser for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), North Eastern Region, attended the meeting to highlight the Freedom from Fear campaign which sought to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shop workers.
5.3 The Committee received a presentation from officers on the work of the Parish Liaison, Local Devolution and Community Rights team, and the Local Area Support team, on their work to support parish councils.
5.4 Members received a verbal update on local bus services. Members were reminded that the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) now had strategic responsibility for public transport, with operational functions being delegated to North Yorkshire Council. The Committee agreed that bus travel should be a standing item on the AC agenda and this would take the form of a short, written update.
5.5 Members noted a written update on train travel provided by the Rail Strategy and Performance Officer at YNYCA.
5.6 The Committee considered a report presenting Project Scoping Forms in relation to two projects previously endorsed for the Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund. The following projects were endorsed: Interactive town guides for Selby and Tadcaster and two Village Cinemas, with the final decision on which two villages would receive the cinemas being delegated to the Chair in conjunction with officers.
5.7 A written report on the progress of the Selby Free SEND School was considered and noted. The Committee requested the timetable for the works and completion date.
5.8 The Committee were informed that a Member Working Group was to be set up to look at the changes to the parliamentary boundaries and the impact on Area Committees. As the Selby and Ainsty AC now covered two parliamentary constituencies it was requested that the working group look at how this would work.
5.9 The Committee noted written information provided in relation to Enforcement matters and raised a number of queries which would be forwarded to the relevant officers for a response.
5.10 It was agreed that the following items be added to the Committee’s work programme for the meeting to be held in December 2024: update on housing in the Selby and Ainsty area, road speed review and update on the Transforming Cities Fund.
5.1 Further information about the meeting can be found here:
6.0 THIRSK AND MALTON AC – 27 SEPTEMBER 2024
6.1 Members of the public questioned the Committee and received responses on the following topics:
· The speed limit and condition of Station Road, Thirsk
· The provision of community transport in Filey
· The sewer system in Norton-on-Derwent
6.2 Local MP Kevin Hollinrake gave updates on the following items of concern in the local area:
· The potential local impacts of the changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance.
· The increased numbers of bank closures in the area and the impact on residents’ access to cash and issues for businesses who needed to bank significant amounts of cash, the limits of the service provided at Post Offices and the provision of banking hubs.
· A64 – the continued campaign to dual the A64 to Barton Hill.
· The provision of a town bus service in Filey and the work with partners to identify a solution
· Issues with the planning process, particularly with reference to retrospective applications.
· Concerns regarding some locally provided medical procedures and dentistry.
· Housing targets for the area.
· Solar farms on agricultural land and the balance between energy and food security.
· Proposed changes in workplace regulations and their impacts on business.
6.3 The Principal Regeneration Officer explained the proposed process for endorsing the suggested projects listed in the report, given the tight timescales to deliver outcomes within the current financial year.
Members considered the best method of prioritising the remaining proposals and it was proposed that officers take forward the remaining projects and progress those that are deliverable up to the remaining value of the Fund. It was suggested that Division Members may wish to consider contributing additional funds from their Locality Budgets if appropriate.
6.4 Officers brought a report which explained to Members the evidence-based planning that had informed the programme of works for the improvement to the footpaths around Thirsk Market Place. Members requested that an update report be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.
6.5 Officers from the Council, the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water gave a presentation which guided Members through the various schemes that had been implemented in Norton, Malton and Old Malton, the detail of the most recent year’s weather conditions, the geology and hydrology of the area, the latest data for 2023/24 on river and groundwater levels and the revenue and capital investments that had taken place.
6.6 During consideration of the work programme, Councillors requested information from NYNET on their anti-vaping project in schools to be included on the agenda for the next meeting.
6.7 Further information about the meeting can be found here:
7.0 RICHMOND (YORKS) AC – 16 SEPTEMBER 2024
7.1 A report on public transport provision in the Constituency Area was discussed, which also addressed public questions submitted in respect of bus services in North Northallerton. The following issues were raised by Members:-
· the footfall on the new Northallerton bus service.
· Some of the buses were large for the size/width of road they were operating in, and smaller buses would be welcome.
· The service covering the A3161 was not dependable. Extra buses (half- hourly) were needed at peak times.
· the unreliability of buses in some areas and people end up waiting 2/3 hours or paying for a taxi.
· Joint working with Network Rail
7.2 The Regional Insights Manager for Northern Powergrid gave a presentation on how Northern Powergrid were assisting with decarbonisation in the region. Members highlighted the following:-
· EV charging points and the power required to serve such a vast area.
· power cuts in some rural locations - progress on the installation of a new transformer at Scotch Corner would hopefully solve the problem.
· a more proactive approach to improving capacity issues rather than reacting when problems arise
· energy generated from solar panels being put in the grid. It was noted that there was a ceiling due to the transmission grid getting overloaded. Northern Powergrid were looking at projects that had not started or completed so that megawatts could be freed up for those in the queue.
7.3 The Headteacher of Reeth and Gunnerside Schools addressed the Committee in relation to the recent change in policy in respect of Subsidised Educational Transport, outlining the following:-
· The exceptional topography of Swaledale did not merit normal practice when assessing school transport provision.
· Issues relating to parents having to choose a school without prior knowledge of the transport arrangements. The process should be paused to assess the routes
· Currently the Council was not in the position to enable young people to travel safely to school unless changes are made to the gritting/maintenance regime.
· The digital tool did not appear to be fit for purpose.
The Strategic Planning Manager responded highlighting the following:
· The digital tool had been subject to extensive testing before it was released, however, the issues raised would be investigated.
· It was not possible to consider transport routes until the admissions process had been completed as the number of children and their home location were not known.
· Once offers had been made, transport colleagues would be able to start looking at numbers and routes and start commissioning arrangements with transport providers.
· Transport providers were required to monitor routes daily and any routes deemed unsafe should not be used and where possible, alternative routes would be utilised.
· Parents who thought their children may be affected were being encouraged to visit all potential schools that came up on the digital tool and in the catchment area and discuss transport options.
The Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills stated that it was important to reassure parents and alleviate some of their fears and she committed to meet with relevant officers to see what could be done and report back to the Area Committee.
7.4 The Area Manager for Highways gave a presentation on winter maintenance of the extensive road network and the hierarchy for road gritting. The following issues were raised:-
· Salt and grit that had hardened in the bins and needed to be made useable
· A large-scale map of the roads salted around Richmond would be helpful to Division Members.
· The gritting of unclassified roads was dependent on them being an access to a service centre or need.
· Gritting could not be based on bus routes as that would cover essentially most of the network.
7.5 A presentation was given by the Parish Liaison and Local Devolution Manager and the Principal Democratic Services Officer which gave Members an overview of the parish sector in North Yorkshire and the work being undertaken to support parishes including regulatory requirements.
7.6 The Corporate Director (Community Development) submitted a report asking Members to agree the process and the three proposals recommended by the steering committee funded from the Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Development Fund for 2023/24 and 2024/25 (£100k in total).
Members agreed that the following projects be subject to the full scoping review and the final reports be submitted to an additional meeting of this Committee in October 2024:
1. Parking spaces for private hire taxis at Hildyard Row, Catterick.
2. Transport scheme to support individuals to get to places of work, study and health provision across Richmond’s rural areas.
3. A684 Morton Flatts responsive signage from Northallerton to the A1
7.7 Further information about the meeting can be found here:
8.0 FINANCIAL & LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
8.1 The financial and legal implications of the issues raised in this summary report are included in the reports that went to the meetings of the Area Committees in September and October 2024.
9.0 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPLICATIONS
9.1 The climate change implications of the issues raised in this summary report are included in the reports that went to the meetings of the Area Committees in September and October 2024.
10.0 EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS
10.1 The equalities implications of the issues raised in this summary report are included in the reports that went to the meetings of the Area Committees in September and October 2024.
11.0 REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
11.1 The recommendations to the Executive have been made by the Area Committees as part of their consideration of local issues at their September and October 2024 round of committee meetings.
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12.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
12.1 The Executive is asked to note the report and consider any matters arising from the work of the Area Committees detailed above, that merit further scrutiny, review or investigation at a county-level. |
Barry Khan
Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services
County Hall
Northallerton
Report Author:
Elizabeth Jackson – Principal Democratic Services Officer
elizabeth.jackson@northyorks.gov.uk
Background Documents:
Agenda, papers and minutes of the 6 Area Committee meetings in September and October 2024, which can be accessed via the following link - https://edemocracy.northyorks.gov.uk/mgListCommittees.aspx?bcr=1
Note: Members are invited to contact the author in advance of the meeting with any detailed queries or questions.