Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Noland and Williams.  Councillor Nick Brown acted as substitute for Councillor Williams.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests, including the nature of those interests, or lobbying in respect of any items appearing on this agenda.

HGTZC024/03097/FUL – Councillor Nick Brown declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he was a customer of Tate Oils.  Councillor Brodigan declared an interest in that she was a member of Ripon City Council but had not taken part in any decisions the City Council made regarding the planning application.

Report of Head of Development Management – Community Development Services.

Considered –

The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application for the demolition of the former petrol station and the erection of 6 no. self-contained residential apartments and associated parking on land at the site of Skellbank Garage, Skellbank, Ripon.  The application had initially been considered by the Committee on 2 June 2025 when Members resolved that they were minded to grant the application, but the decision was deferred subject to the receipt of a satisfactory gypsum report and for planning conditions which were to be presented back to the Committee at the earliest opportunity.

Since the application was considered by Committee a ground investigation has been undertaken.  To a depth of 35m no open voids were found, although the sold strata did entomb former voids filled with debris, which was taken as being from their formal partial collapse.  The presence of gypsum was recorded.  However, no certainty had been provided that such foundations could be used without undue harm being caused to the adjacent listed buildings and further site investigation was required.

The Senior Planning Officer stated that he had advised the applicant that because the premises was in a Conservation Area, a second application was required to demolish the building and that a second investigation was needed to prove that power driving was the appropriate method.

The following persons spoke in accordance with the Council’s public participation scheme:

Councillor Andrew Williams on behalf of Ripon City Council.

Mr Richard Mowat, agent for the applicant.

During consideration of the application, Members discussed the following issues:

-        The site had been an eyesore for some time.

-        The development of six flats was welcome and it was rare to get an applicant coming forward to develop a tricky site.

-        Car parking – six spaces would be provided.

-        Did not see any value in requiring a separate application for demolition of the site, because this would prolong determination of the application, and the resulting choices would still be the same.

The Committee did not agree with the officer’s recommendation for a deferment and it was

Resolved –

That, the application is GRANTED subject to the conditions set out in the report and replicated below including an additional condition set out at paragraph 3 together with the completion of a Section 106 Agreement for £2500 contribution to update the parking restrictions in line with the proposed junction changes at Skellbank junction by means of amended yellow lines following the kerbing and related Traffic Regulation Order required for such a change.  

That the application be deferred by officer for Legal Agreement

1       The development hereby permitted shall be begun on or before three years from the date of this permission.

2       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following documents:-

         a) 3xa Design drawings;

         267-P.101 rev E Proposed Site Plan / Roof Plan dated 21.02.25

         267-P.102 rev C Proposed Ground Floor Plan dated 21.02.25

         267-P.103 rev B Proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 177.

Report of Head of Development Management – Community Development Services.

Considered –

The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services submitted a report seeking determination of a planning application for the installation of ground mounted solar panels, landscaping and associated works at the Swinton Estate, North Yorkshire.  The application had been brought to the Planning Committee for determination because the applicant Councillor Felicity Cunliffe-Lister had an interest in the land as owner of Swinton Park.

In considering the report, regard had been paid to the policies of the relevant development plan, the National Planning Policy Framework and all other material planning considerations.

Where the Committee granted planning permission in accordance with the recommendation in the report this was because the proposal was in accordance with the development plan, the National Planning Policy Framework and other material planning considerations.

The following person spoke in support of the application:

Mr Iain Shelton, Chief Executive of the Swinton Estate.

During consideration of the application, Members discussed the following issues:

·       How would the maintenance of the grass under the solar panels be undertaken i.e. by using sheep or glyphosates.

·       Siting of the panels moved outside the Nidderdale National Landscape.

·       Renewable energy supporting the Swinton Estate and the bio-diversity net gain.

Resolved –

That the application is GRANTED subject to the conditions set out in the Assistant Director’s report.

Voting record –

A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously declared carried.

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

There were no urgent items of business.

Tuesday 02 December 2025 at 1pm.

Tuesday 2 December 2025.