Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence have been received from Samantha Perks, Rachel Connolly, Roma Haigh, John Toogood, Judith Hooper, Mark Cunliffe-Lister & Belinda Ryan.

The Chair informed Members that Martin Reynolds had formally tendered his resignation from the Forum and conveyed his appreciation to Members. The Chair requested that the Secretary issue a letter of thanks on his behalf, acknowledging Martin's valuable contribution to the work of the Forum

There were no declarations of interest.

Resolved

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2025 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to Dawn Drury of Democratic Services and supplied the text (contact details below) by midday on Friday 19 September, three working days before the day of the meeting.  Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.  Members of the public who have given notice will be invited to speak:-

·         at this point in the meeting if their questions/statements relate to matters which are not otherwise on the Agenda (subject to an overall time limit of 30 minutes);

·         when the relevant Agenda item is being considered if they wish to speak on a matter which is on the Agenda for this meeting.

If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chairman who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak.

No public questions had been received.

Bruce Cutts, Senior Officer, People, Landscapes, Access and Nature attended the meeting remotely, on behalf of Natural England (NE) to provide an update on the ongoing work to upgrade the Coast to Coast Path National Trail.

Members noted that

· Work was ongoing on the latest newsletter which would be available in November.

· At the time of the original submission of the Variation Report to the Secretary of State for the Coast to Coast Trail, Natural England (NE) had aimed to align the proposed route with the existing walk line, which predominantly followed the Wainwright Route. However, it had been necessary to implement certain modifications to the route, primarily to accommodate legal requirements. As a result, some sections of the new walk line were redirected onto Public Rights of Way. Additionally, NE had proposed the creation of a new loop at Dent Fell.

· NE will be required to produce approximately 20 individual Variation Reports, each of which must be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. Only upon receiving approval of the reports will NE be able to finalise the definitive route of the Coast to Coast Trail. This confirmed route will then be shared with relevant organisations, such as Ordnance Survey.

· Within the Variation Reports, NE identified three levels of priority. Priority 1 reports related to sections of the route where significant changes had been made and were considered the most critical to address during the establishment phase of the project.

· There had been 14 Priority 1 Variation Reports, and of these NE had now submitted 10, of which the Secretary of State had approved 5, 5 were still to be approved and the remaining 4 would be submitted in November 2025.

· Work to lay flag stones had been completed at the Nine Standards Rigg.  The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are now requesting that members of the public use the red route exclusively. This route is fully flagged and reinstates the primary path originally recommended by Alfred Wainwright in his guidebook.

· Following the recent fires on the North York Moors, a temporary diversion had been implemented to redirect walkers away from the most severely affected areas. In parallel, retrospective restoration work was being undertaken to repair and replace damaged sections of the trail.

· NE are currently conducting a visitor survey along the Coast to Coast Trail. In line with current research governance requirements, the survey had to be approved by an ethics panel, which limited the scope and number of questions that could be asked. Volunteers were deployed along the route during August and September to offer walkers access to the survey via a QR code; however, they were not permitted to engage directly or ask questions. Walkers were invited to complete the survey independently.  To date, 250 responses have been received which indicate that 37% of respondents were walking the entire Coast to Coast route, while 41% were undertaking circular walks. The survey remains open, and once closed, NE will carry out a full analysis of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

The report of the Secretary, which updated on developments since the last meeting.

A discussion was held concerning the formal responses submitted on behalf of the LAF, as detailed in Appendix A of the agenda pack.  The secretary outlined the procedure for preparing planning responses, noting that these were typically researched and drafted by Rachel Connolly.  Once drafted, the responses were circulated to all Members for comment and approval before being finalised in letter format and sent via email to the relevant planning case officer. It was agreed that, moving forward, all Members would be copied into the final version of each planning response submitted to the case officer, for their information.

It was further agreed that any correspondence issued in the name of the LAF, whether sent by the secretary or an individual Member, to include consultation responses, would be recorded in the response log. This measure would provide Members with a comprehensive record of all communications for future reference.

Resolved

i)               That the update be noted.

ii)              That the secretary circulated any LAF responses to all Members once finalised.

iii)             That the secretary recorded all formal LAF responses onto the response log.

The report of the Secretary giving LAF Members the opportunity to update the Forum on Council liaison and other LAF representative project activity since the last meeting.

The Chair had provided a list of actions undertaken on behalf of the Forum since the last meeting in May 2025, as set out in Appendix 1.  He confirmed that further detail on his attendance at the Town Investment Plan session would be provided under item 12 of the agenda pack.

The Chair noted that Rachel Connolly had provided a planning update and had posed two questions for Members’ consideration, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.  However, the Chair proposed that this item be deferred to the next meeting of the LAF, to allow Mrs Connolly to present her report in person and facilitate a more informed discussion.

Members requested that the secretary contact the Head of Development Management to establish the status of the Forum’s recommendations for improving the planning process, and specifically whether the proposed checklist has been implemented.

Andy Brown advised that the A66 redesign was progressing, primarily at the detailed design stage, which would impact the non-motorised user (NMU) route provision. The original provision envisaged repurposing part of the former A66 road near Ravensworth junction for walking, cycling, and horse riding, alongside the construction of a new dual carriageway being built in the countryside away from the existing road.  However, this approach had now been abandoned, resulting in a significant departure from the previously agreed NMU provision.

The Chair requested that the secretary contact NY Highways to confirm responsibility for the A66 and seek an update for the former A66 route in terms of public access and integration with the rights of way network.

Mr Brown reported that the British Horse Society (BHS) had produced guidance for Planning Authorities considering the impact of solar farms on the PROW; this could be found on the BHS website. 

In response to a query regarding whether there was any evidence that the growing number of solar panels across the landscape posed a hazard to horse riders, or if sunlight reflected from panels could dazzle horses or riders, Mr Brown confirmed that solar panels were designed to absorb rather than reflect light and therefore did not produce glare.

Mr Brown advised that the Government remained committed to solar energy as a key power solution and noted that North Yorkshire’s predominantly flat landscape was well suited for the development of solar farms.

Resolved

i)               That the additional information provided at the meeting be noted, alongside the written updates provided in the report.

ii)              That the planning update be deferred to the next meeting of the LAF in January 2026.

iii)             That the secretary contacts the Head of Development Management for an update on the implementation of planning processes.

iv)             That the secretary contacts NY Highways to request an update on the former A66 route.

Stephen Clark summarised the report which compared the final recommendations from the Planning Inspector’s report into the proposed modifications to new settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan Document published on 7 August 2025, with the issues raised by the NYLAF in their response to a consultation carried out in spring 2025 

Maltkiln is a proposed new settlement for at least 3000 residential units, located between York and Harrogate near to Cattal.  Plans for the Matlkiln settlement were set out in a Harrogate District Development Plan Document (DPD) which was published in 2022, the LAF had responded to a consultation at the time.  In autumn 2024 the DPD was the subject of an examination by the Planning Inspector and based on this North Yorkshire Council (NYC) proposed “Main Modifications” to the DPD in January 2025.  A six-week consultation was carried out by NYC on these “Main Modifications” which closed on 24 March 2025.

The NYLAF had submitted a consultation response which focussed on eight issues relevant to both the Maltkiln vision and the NYLAF’s objectives.  One of the eight issues concerned the need for a clearer definition of mobility and access, and the Planning Inspector had recommended amendments to the DPD to provide a more inclusive definition of walking and cycling network users, reflecting NYLAF’s input. 

Members expressed disappointment that the remaining seven points raised in the consultation were not acknowledged or an explanation provided as to why they had not been reflected in the final report.  Neither had a summary been provided as part of the Planning Inspector’s Report of the nature of the other 39 consultation responses which had been received.  It was also noted that evidence of the Planning Inspector’s deliberations would have been helpful to guide future engagement in the planning process.

A discussion was held regarding the next steps for the NYLAF.  Members noted that the Planning Inspector had circulated a feedback questionnaire on the examination process and agreed that Mr Clarke would provide a response on behalf of the NYLAF.  It was further agreed that the NYLAF would seek a meeting with officers of North Yorkshire Council to discuss the points raised in the consultation response, with a view to ensuring these were considered in future planning decisions relating to Maltkiln.

It was highlighted that a report on the Inspector’s examination of the Maltkiln DPD had been presented to the Selby and Ainsty Area Committee on 18 September 2025 and would subsequently be considered by the Council’s Executive.  Mr Clarke queried whether a copy of this report should be forwarded to the Member Champion for Cycling and Active Travel on the Council’s Executive, together with the Division Councillor for Ouseburn.  Members agreed to this approach and requested that Mr Clarke liaise with the Secretary to arrange for the report to be sent.

Councillor Heseltine advised Members that he had no interests to declare, however, he requested that it be noted that, as a member of other North Yorkshire Council Committees, he had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

Stephen Clark presented the report which summarised the Forums response to the consultation on the North Yorkshire Local Plan: our first conversation, Issues and Options Consultation and Sustainability Appraisal.

Members heard that theNorth Yorkshire Local Plan: our first conversation document was the starting point for the creation and establishment of planning policies which would set a framework for the appraisal of future planning applications within North Yorkshire.  The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report 2025 was a framework through which the policies in the Plan would be appraised to assess whether they fit the "sustainability" aims inherent in National and NYC's objectives.  This consultation was Stage 1 in a process that would eventually lead to the adoption of a formal North Yorkshire Local Plan in 2029.

The consultation ended on 15 July 2025 and the Forums response, agreed by correspondence, was set out in the letter appended to the report.  The letter identified three key areas for the Council to consider as it developed the Local Plan: a stronger emphasis on public access supported by evidence gathering; the creation of a policy related to the maintenanceof existing access in the planning process; and the creation of a second policy to prioritise the enhancement of existing access, particularly in relation to large-scale housing developments.

It was agreed that a meeting be arranged between Mr Clarke, Mrs Hooper, and Planning Policy officers of North Yorkshire Council to discuss the points raised in the consultation response and to determine how the NYLAF might continue to contribute to the preparation of the new North Yorkshire Local Plan.

Councillors raised concerns regarding the Government’s approach to the Local Plan and noted that the five-year housing land supply requirement, previously achievable for most local authorities, was now rarely met.  The view was expressed that the policy diminished the role of local members, with a large proportion of decisions currently delegated to officers.

Councillors also highlighted that the Local Plan supported multiple objectives, including nature recovery, health and wellbeing, and encouraging outdoor activity.  The Forum’s consultation response had referenced health, the visitor economy, and the needs of an ageing population, emphasising the importance of access to open space.  It was noted that Sustrans’ Active Travel Toolkit (July 2017) recommended drawing on evidence and wider policy to strengthen the case for such benefits.

The Chair thanked Stephen for all the work he had done to start the process.

Resolved

That the Secretary arrange a meeting between Mr Clarke, Mrs Hooper, and Planning Policy officers of North Yorkshire Council to discuss the points raised in the consultation response, seek feedback, and establish how the NYLAF can continue to contribute to the preparation of the new North Yorkshire Local Plan.

The officer responsible for the Nidderdale National Landscape Management Plan 2025–2030 was unable to attend, and Members proceeded to the next item of business.

The Chair welcomed Ellie Hook, Manager of the Howardian Hills National Landscape (NL) to the meeting.  Ms Hook delivered a presentation outlining the scale of the Howardian Hills area, the partnership structure, and the objectives of the Management Plan 2025–2030 Consultation.

Members noted that

·       The area covered 79 miles² which extended from Helmsley to Howsham.

·       The Partnership was formed in 1995 and was made up of a Joint Advisory Committee to include North Yorkshire Council, Community and Parish representatives, Natural England, Forestry Commission, National Farmers Union, Country Land and Business Association and the Ramblers Association.

·       A small team of six staff was responsible, on behalf of North Yorkshire Council, for guiding work to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area.  This ranged from national objectives, such as the Government’s 30x30 target to place 30% of land under conservation by 2030, to small-scale actions with local communities.

·       The team was currently working on a Dark Skies initiative, supporting local communities in reducing light pollution by funding replacement lighting for village halls and farms.

·       Volunteers played a vital role, with approximately 70 registered and 10–12 active every other week, undertaking projects such as hedge laying, beck restoration and building bird boxes.

·       Work on improving access for all was being supported through a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) grant, which had funded a Paratreker for the Yorkshire Arboretum, external mobility scooters, a wheelchair-accessible trailer in partnership with Castle Howard, and footpath improvements.

·       An annual newsletter was produced and distributed to all residents within postcode areas which overlapped with the National Landscape area.

·       Over 80 owl boxes had been installed, with significant success this year: 50 were occupied, resulting in 25 barn owl chicks, along with stock doves and mallards.

·       There had been significant tree planting; however, plastic guards were commonly used and often remained in place. A team member was working to remove and recycle these and to develop recyclable, biodegradable guards for future use.

·       The Yorkshire Wolds was currently up for designation as a National Landscape, is directly next to our area, so we are part of the Steering Team and providing advice on how a National Landscape operates including talking with the local farmers about it. 

·       The Yorkshire Wolds was currently being considered for designation as a National Landscape.  As the Yorkshire Wolds borders the Howardian Hills NL area, the team were part of the Steering Team to provide advice on National Landscape operations and engaging with local farmers. 

·       A new duty had come into effect in December 2023 under Section 245 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (‘the LURA’), to seek to further the purpose(s) of designation of the protected landscape.

In terms of the Howardian Hills National Landscape Management Plan, the Members heard that the Council required that a Management Plan was prepared on their behalf every five years with the last Plan completed in 2019.  The Management Plan for 2025 – 2030 was currently being compiled, with a deadline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

As highlighted at agenda item 7 of the pack, the Chair reported that on the 24 July 2025 he attended an online engagement session on the development of a Town Investment Plan for Malton and Norton.  The plan formed part of a countywide programme to identify achievable, measurable projects that deliver economic growth.  Each plan would be tailored to local aspirations and existing strategies and once complete, would support the community to secure funding by demonstrating stakeholder-backed projects.

Malton and Norton were one of 32 towns being consulted on by NYC, to different levels, depending on their size, with six themes identified: infrastructure, e-generation, business, tourism, community health and well-being and environment.  There was much discussion around how the consultation process would work, and which would include 2 in-person sessions in August.  Some of the issues raised during the session were cycling and walking, poor connectivity between Malton and Norton, public transport constraints at the rail and bus stations, lack of cycling and pedestrian provision, reducing reliance on private car use, improving connections between Malton and Norton, and the accessibility and awareness of green spaces.

The Chair reflected on the engagement session and noted that the Forum’s remit related primarily to public rights of way and public open spaces.  He expressed concern regarding the Forum’s capacity to respond to multiple consultations across the county and suggested contacting the Regeneration Officer at North Yorkshire Council to submit a generic response on behalf of the NYLAF which highlighted concerns and recommendations regarding public rights of way and open spaces for inclusion in each of the individual consultations.  Members agreed this approach as the way forward.

Resolved

That the Chair prepare a generic response to the Town Investment Plan consultations on behalf of the NYLAF, to be forwarded to the Regeneration Officer.

The Chair highlighted that Rachel Connolly had brought a report to the last NYLAF meeting in Mayregarding Natural England (NE) and their access responses, as statutory consultee, to major development applications which had a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Mrs Connolly had proposed that the LAF support a letter from the Yorkshire, Humber & North Lincolnshire Regional Access Forum (YH & NL RAF) to NE, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the local Member of Parliament, advocating for access issues to be considered in large-scale planning applications.

It was agreed that a letter would carry greater weight if issued by the YH & NL RAF. Accordingly, the Chair drafted a report and letter, circulated to Members for approval. Members gave full support, and the Chair confirmed he would present both documents at the YH & NL RAF meeting on 1 October 2025 to seek endorsement.

Resolved

That the Chair present the report and proposed letter on NE’s access responses at the YH & NLRAF meeting on 1 October 2025, seeking their support to forward the letter to the Minister for the Environment and DEFRA with recommendations for resolving the issue.

Members considered the Forward Plan and were invited to propose any additional items for inclusion.

The Chair highlighted that a sub-group had been established for the Nidderdale and Howardian Hills National Landscape Management Plans, alongside Mr Clark’s work on the Maltkiln Development Plan Document, and therefore proposed deferring the formation of any further sub-groups until January 2026.  It was suggested that the January meeting consider establishing a sub-group to review the NYLAF homepage on the NYC website and strategies for raising the organisation’s profile.

 A Member reported that legislation currently progressing through the House of Commons proposed a ban on controlled burning on moorland.  It was noted that this could have implications for Public Rights of Way (PROW), particularly in relation to land management practices and access maintenance.

Finally, Mr Brown advised that Highways colleagues were appointing a consultant for the Local Transport Plan (LTP), with the tender process underway and work expected to commence early next year.  Mr Brown highlighted current challenges in maintaining the existing network, noting that while progress on the Coast-to-Coast route was commendable, it placed significant strain on resources.  He reported that options for the next round of LTP funding were being explored, including the potential to fund an additional post to support network improvements, such as upgrading footpaths to bridleways, and stressed the importance of early involvement, given the Countryside Access Service’s expertise, and indicated that funding was available but required release.

Resolved

i)               That the Work Programme document be updated and noted.

ii)              That the Chair liaise with Mark Cunliffe-Lister, Roma Haigh and John Toogood to confirm their ability to meet the October deadline for the Nidderdale and Howardian Hills National Landscape Management Plans 2025-30 consultations.

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances

There were no other items.