North Yorkshire Council
Executive
12 May 2026
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 – 26 MARCH 2026
2.1 Members received a detailed report on current schemes, including Oatlands and Wetherby Road crossings, Bilton Crossing, Otley Road sustainable transport works, and the wider 20mph programme. While some schemes were moving to delivery, several required further design, land negotiation or contractor procurement. Members raised concerns regarding the timescales of the projects, and sought further information on 20mph sign visibility, and the future of Killinghall/Nidderdale Greenway improvements. Officers confirmed consultations and audit work were ongoing, and that the Committee would continue to receive regular updates on the schemes’ progress. The Committee also heard three public questions and provided responses at the meeting.
2.2 Officers delivered the annual School Performance report, which gave a strategic overview of school performance, behaviour and SEND pressures, and the impact of national funding formulae. Members discussed forecasting methods and the effect of new housing developments at Penny Pot Lane, Knaresborough and other sites. Concerns were raised about the timing of triggers for new provision and transport impacts. Officers confirmed that current forecasts did not justify additional mainstream schools, but monitoring would continue. Technical matters regarding the reopening of Woodfield School remained in progress.
2.3 The Committee noted a series of written reports, including:
a) An update on the referral of the Section 19 Flood Event Review and response to Transport, Economy, Environment, and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee, noting that it had been considered at their recent Mid Cycle Briefing. The Committee would be kept informed of future actions.
b) A written report from Harrogate Youth Council, which outlined issues of concern among the youth community in the area. The Committee commended the work of the Youth Council and would continue to engage with both them and Knaresborough Youth Council.
c) A written update on the progress to date on the Harrogate Town Investment Plan, with a full update planned for the next meeting in June.
d) Information on Waste Performance and missed bin collections, the Committee noting the positive developments and marked increases in performance.
2.4 Further information about the meeting can be found here:
3.0 SKIPTON AND RIPON AC – 5 MARCH 2026
3.1 Members received a verbal update from Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP on national and local issues, including cost of living pressures, SEND reform, the local government funding settlement and the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on small businesses. Issues raised by Members included rural energy costs, the impact of the draft National Planning Policy Framework on national parks and the Angus Fire PFAS incident in High Bentham.
3.2 The Committee received two public questions, one addressing community‑led affordable housing for young people in the vacant space above shops in Skipton town centre, and another on road safety concerns and progress towards delivering a footpath on Sutton Lane, Sutton on Craven.
3.3 A detailed update was received from Airedale NHS Foundation Trust on progress towards the new Airedale Hospital, covering site preparation, design, funding, parking, transport access and future service delivery. Members noted the annual Schools Update report, highlighting school performance, SEND pressures and financial challenges, and discussed concerns relating to exclusions and school capacity. The Committee also considered a report on the feasibility of a Ripon Mobility Hub, suggesting that a hybrid of options B and C be further explored including the redevelopment of Ripon bus station and adding a recommendation that officers engage with local Members and consider funding opportunities, including those linked to recent major housing developments.
3.4 Members received a briefing note on the Wyvern Link Road scheme in Skipton, expressing concern about delays and requesting clearer timescales and Executive Member involvement. It was agreed that the two Executive Members for the area would write to the Executive on this matter. An update on rural energy policies and fuel pricing disparity highlighted the higher costs faced in rural communities, with Members welcoming the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme and requesting further information on the uptake of the Council’s Choices4Energy programme.
3.5 The Committee reviewed its work programme and suggested future items on exploring new funding sources for emerging schemes, an update on the Ousewem natural flood management modelling, and in relation to the Community Safety and CCTV annual report, a review of CCTV coverage gaps at Skipton bus station.
3.6 Further information about the meeting can be found here:
4.0 SCARBOROUGH AND WHITBY AC – 2 MARCH AND 23 MARCH 2026
2 March 2026
4.1 The committee met in Whitby to consider a range of
strategic and local matters affecting coastal communities. The
Chair provided feedback on actions arising from previous meetings,
including progress on the review of the speed limit on New Bridge,
Whitby, ongoing remediation works at the Scarborough Community
Football Pitch, and progress on exploring future options for the
Alpamare Waterpark.
4.2 Members considered a significant volume of public questions and statements, largely relating to the draft North Yorkshire Council Harbours Strategy and the closure of the Whitby West Cliff Lift. Issues raised included engagement with harbour users, governance arrangements, dredging capacity, supporting offshore renewables, and for the Cliff Lift, maintaining disabled access to the beach, and accurate and up to date costings for the repair of the facility.
4.3 The committee discussed in detail the condition and future of the Whitby Cliff Lift following updated inspection findings. Members expressed strong support for reinstating the lift, highlighting its importance as a heritage asset, for accessibility, and to Whitby’s visitor economy. While recognising the council’s financial pressures, the committee resolved to request that the Executive commission up-to-date technical surveys, prepare robust costings for repair and maintenance, and develop a full business plan before any decision is taken on decommissioning or repair.
4.4 The results of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order restricting overnight motor caravan parking at Sandsend and Scarborough North Bay were also considered. Although consultation responses showed substantial opposition, members recognised longstanding amenity and safety issues. The committee supported targeted permanent restrictions where appropriate, while urging a strategic, county-wide approach to address displacement into residential areas through the forthcoming parking review.
23 March 2026
4.5 This extraordinary meeting held in Scarborough focused on bathing water quality in Scarborough’s North and South Bays. Members considered extensive evidence from local stakeholders, the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, council officers and Professor Darren Grocke of Durham University, whose research identified Scalby Beck as a dominant source of pollution affecting both bays. Public questions highlighted concerns about year‑round testing, storm overflow monitoring and transparency. The committee expressed frustration at longstanding poor water quality, reputational damage and impacts on livelihoods, and agreed a series of recommendations including further scientific studies, sand testing, strengthened planning policies, enhanced partnership working between the council and Environment Agency and improved accountability to support sustained improvements in bathing water quality.
4.6 Further information about both meetings can be found here:
5.0 THIRSK AND MALTON AC – 27 MARCH 2026
5.1 There were two public questions. One on the delivery of Quiet Lanes and one on the use of Grampian Conditions for planning applications when justified and necessary.
5.2 Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP provided a written update on the Dementia Directory, delivered to every household across Wetherby and Easingwold. Kevin Hollinrake MP updated the Committee and took questions on a number of matters including the A64, housing, local transport, funding, solar development and the cost of living.
5.3 The Head of Primary Care, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board gave a detailed presentation on the operation of and pressures facing general practice across the Thirsk and Malton area. The presentation covered funding models, national trends, recruitment, estates planning and S106 funding and other demands on the primary care system. Members were grateful for the comprehensive presentation and requested that the matter be referred to the Scrutiny of Health Committee.
5.4 The Lead Local Flood Authority Team Leader and the Senior Engineer, Flood Risk Management gave a presentation on the outcomes of a recent report on the Section 19 Storm Daragh flooding on Rye tributaries. The presentation summarised the investigation, impacts, response and recommendations following the flooding event in Kirby Mills, Keldholme, Sinnington and Marton in December 2024 and gave the latest updates on the recommendations.
5.5 An update from previous meetings included discussion on the progress of recent meetings between NYC and Yorkshire Water and a request for written updates from the mayor.
5.6 Further information about the meeting may be found here:
6.0 RICHMOND (YORKS) AC – 2 MARCH 2026
6.1 The Right Hon Rishi Sunak MP updated Members on matters including the Stokesley banking hub, congestion in the Catterick Garrison and Colburn area, the A66 upgrade, the Friary and the Catterick Integrated Care Centre, rural transport and a number of matters relating to military staff.
6.2 The Deputy Place Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board gave an update on the new Catterick Integrated Care Centre and its aims and objectives. Members had questions including timescales, access to consultation events, dental services provision and the future of the Friary Hospital.
6.3 The Committee received a petition for congestion relief on the A6136 in Catterick. The petition had been submitted to North Yorkshire Council and to the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA). The CA had considered the petition at its meeting held on 23 January 2026 and the committee supported the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s decision to refer the petition to the next meeting of its Transport Advisory Board for further discussion and the MP’s offer to host a round table discussion with the council, the Combined Authority, the Ministry of Defence and defence estates to consider a way forward.
6.4 The Head of School Organisation and Transport and the Head of Education Access and Engagement attended to take questions on the schools, educational achievement and finance annual update. Members had questions on the provision of school transport to federated schools, increasing strains on provision and the actions taken to address this and on matters that may be considered in the review of the home to school transport policy.
6.5 Further information about the meeting may be found here:
7.0 SELBY AND AINSTY AC – 19 MARCH 2026
7.1 The Committee received its annual schools update. Members raised concerns about increasing school budget deficits, the impact of housing growth on local school capacity – particularly in Sherburn in Elmet – and the continued disadvantage caused by the national funding formula. The Committee agreed to raise the latter issue with local MPs and seek their views on potential reform.
7.2 An update on the Selby Station Gateway scheme was received, outlining the project, the causes of delay and the revised delivery programme. Members expressed frustration at the lack of progress but welcomed confirmation that work is due to begin shortly. Concerns were noted about the current condition of the site and the perception that delays were being attributed to ecological factors. Members also welcomed the reinstatement of the Bawtry Road underpass.
7.3 The Committee received an update on the Selby Town Investment Plan. The officer was unable to attend but Members raised several queries, which have been passed on. An informal briefing is being arranged to discuss this in greater detail.
7.4 An update was provided on the formation of a Youth Council for the area. Members welcomed the progress made, offered assistance, and requested updates as the group develops.
7.5 The Committee was asked to appoint Members to three outside body positions (Groundwork Yorkshire Ltd AGM, Groundwork North Yorkshire Ltd AGM, and Groundwork Yorkshire Board of Trustees). No volunteers came forward at the meeting, and Members suggested that the appointments be offered to the wider Council.
7.6 The Committee noted the written updates from the two local MPs, who are invited to each meeting.
7.7 Under the Work Programme, Members requested that items on the Maltkiln new settlement and Yorkshire Water investment be scheduled for future meetings.
7.8 Further information about the meetings 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 March 2026.
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 November and December 2025.
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 March 2026.
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 March 2026 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 six Area Committee meetings in March 2026, 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.