Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor David Ireton (substitute Councillor Nick Brown) and Councillor Andrew Williams.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2026 were confirmed by Members and signed by the Chair and Vice-Chair as an accurate 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.

Declarations of interests and lobbying were received in respect of application 25/034575/OUT from the following Councillors:

Councillor Nick Brown, Division Member and lobbied against the application.

Councillor Barbara Brodigan, lobbied against the application.

Councillor Andy Brown, lobbied against the application.

The Chair, Councillor Nathan Hull, lobbied against the application.

Councillor David Noland, lobbied against the application.

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services.

The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of an outline planning application for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of up to 98 dwellings, site access, retail facility, associated landscaping, open space and infrastructure.  All matters to be reserved, except for partial means of access (including emergency access) to (but not within) the site from Topcliffe Road.  The application had been referred to Committee because it was a sensitive site and raised significant material planning issues.

Members sought clarification from the Planning Officer on specific policy matters and the extent to which the development complied with the local development plan.  Questions were asked on sewage capacity, the impact on the character and appearance of the area, residential amenity, highways, access considerations and environmental implications.

In accordance with public speaking arrangements at planning committees, the following speakers addressed the committee:

Objecting to the application:

Kathryn Pittaway - objector.

Martin Flanagan - Dishforth Parish Council.

Supporting the application:

Emma Gomersal - agent for the applicant.

Summary of the issues raised:

·       Members sought clarification on the definition of sustainable development and were advised that it had not been defined in the National Planning Policy Framework.

·       The potential cumulative impact the development would have on the village.  The legal officer advised that this application should be looked at on its merits.

·       Considerable concern about the lack of capacity to deal with foul drainage and the objection by Yorkshire Water who had confirmed that there was no capacity within the foul water sewer to accommodate the proposed development.  The legal officer advised members that Yorkshire Water had the burden of dealing with the discharge under their statutory duties and that where there is a capacity issue that can be reasonaby be dealt with by way of condition.

·       Reference was made to the limited bus service.  Monies identified in the proposed legal agreement would not necessarily lead to an improved and more frequent service. 

·       Impact on the road network in and around the village.

·       Houses were not necessarily being built in the right areas. However, due to a change in the calculation method, developments outside development limits had to be considered in order to meet Government targets.

A motion to refuse the application was proposed. A vote was taken and lost with 2 for refusal and 4 against refusal.

A motion to grant the application in accordance with officer recommendation and subject to a minor amendment to Condition 18 to remove the word ‘phase’ was proposed.  A vote was taken and put to the vote.

Decision –

That planning permission is GRANTED subject to:

-        Conditions as set out in the report as submitted with a minor amendment to condition 18 regarding foul drainage to read:

No development shall commence until a detailed foul drainage scheme off site and on site, including maintenance arrangements and a timetable for provision of the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall thereafter shall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 196.

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 07 July 2026 at 1pm.

Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 1pm, venue to be agreed.