Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Councillors Arthur and Jordan.  Councillor Stephanie Duckett was present as the substitute for Councillor Arthur and Councillor Andy Paraskos was present as the substitute for Councillor Jordan.

The minutes of the meetings held on 11 June 2025 were agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

It was noted that Councillor Warneken was accompanied by two work experience students, who were in attendance in the public gallery to observe the meeting as part of their studies in politics.

The Chair confirmed that an officer update note had been circulated and added to the North Yorkshire Council website

The Assistant Director Planning, Community Development Services sought to resolve the position the Council would take at an upcoming appeal against non-determination for an application for full planning permission for the residential development of 137 dwellings, open space, landscaping, and associated infrastructure and Community Centre with associated car parking and recreational space at land north of Hull Road, Hemingbrough, Selby, North Yorkshire.

The application had been reported to Committee as the Head of Development Management considered the application raised significant planning issues such that it was in the public interest for the application to be considered by Committee.

The Principal Planning Officer highlighted that there was an officer update on the application since the agenda had been published, which was available to read on the Council’s website, and explained that at paragraph 10.105 the correct amount of affordable housing that could be sought for this area should read 20%, as Hemingbrough lies in a higher value area.  At paragraph 10.79 Yorkshire Water had confirmed that their position on this application remained unchanged, therefore in light of their maintained objection the officer highlighted that Members may be minded to add an additional reason for refusal regarding foul drainage.  And finally, at paragraph 12.1 there had been an amendment to the officer recommendation contained within the original report which should now read: It is recommended that Planning Committee resolve that had the Local Planning Authority determined the application it would have refused planning permission for the reasons set out in section 12 of the committee report.

Ken McCann spoke on behalf of Hemingbrough Hagg Lane Green Conservation Group, objecting to the application.

Councillor Ann Tomlinson spoke on behalf of Hemingbrough Parish Council, objecting to the application.

The Division Councillor, Karl Arthur, spoke objecting to the application, and then left the meeting.

Ian Reynolds spoke as an unpaid advisor to the Hall for Hemingbrough Group, in support of the application.

During consideration of the above application, the Committee discussed the following issues:-

• In the absence of a response from the North Yorkshire Council (NYC) Arboriculturist, Members questioned if planning officers were aware of what, if any, would be the potential impact on any trees which had tree preservation orders (TPO’s) attached to them.
• In relation to the dog pond, it was queried what measures would be put in place to prevent animals, in particular dogs, from entering the water.
• Members asked whether any trees to be removed from the site would be replaced, and if so, would they be semi mature trees. 
• Whether the applicant had consulted Yorkshire Water with regard to the proposed foul water discharge and the additional impact on capacity at the wastewater treatment works.
• It was queried whether the issue of trees would be considered at appeal, given it was not a refusal reason, and if not, whether officers could pursue for a response from the NYC Arboriculturist.
• It was commented that if dogs were kept on a leash that newts and other wildlife would still detect predators, therefore,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

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

There were no items of urgent business.

Wednesday 13 August 2025 at 2.00pm.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 13 August 2025.