Agenda and draft minutes

Councillors Derek Bastiman, Tom Seston and Subash Sharma, and Alison Hume MP.

Resolved

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2025, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

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

Councillor Heather Phillips declared an interest in Minute Item 186 – Whitby Cliff Lift since she was on the Executive which was the decision-making body in respect of this matter. Councillor Phillips did not take part in the discussion and determination of this item by the Area Committee but remained present to listen to the discussion.

The Chair provided the following updates on matters raised at previous meetings:

Speed limit on New Bridge, Whitby - following the petition to this committee on 28 November, we wrote to the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation who responded that the council was looking into a 30mph speed limit on New Bridge.

Scarborough Community Football Pitch - work was starting that week on site to remedy the defects to ensure a stable base for the new pitch to be laid. It was expected that this phase would take 8-10 weeks to complete before the new pitch surface would be put in place ahead of the start of the next football season in the summer.

Alpamare Waterpark - officers were currently exploring a range of options for the future of the Alpamare site, having regard to its strategic location within the wider North Bay regeneration area. A Request for Proposal (RFP) had been issued to five specialist leisure agents, inviting them to propose and present potential strategies for the sale of the site. The RFP was intended to inform the Council’s understanding of market interest and potential approaches and was one element of the wider review being undertaken to inform consideration of future options for the Alpamare site. The RFP would focus on a freehold sale of Alpamare as an operational waterpark. However, bidders may propose offers incorporating one or more vacant development plots within the North Bay area, where this could be justified as necessary to support Alpamare’s long term financial viability and contribute positively to the wider leisure and entertainment offer. Flamingo Land had been informed that the Council was exploring future options for the asset, including a potential disposal. The Flamingo Land lease would expire on 31 October 2026.  During the remaining term of this lease, officers would continue to review and assess options for the future of the Alpamare site, including (but not limited to) a potential disposal. Officers would work to progress a preferred option within this timeframe, though it may be necessary, subject to mutual agreement, to extend the existing agreement with Flamingo Land. Any preferred option arising from this work would be subject to further appraisal and reported to members for consideration at the appropriate time.

Attendance of Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith at meeting on 30 September 2026 - As per the work programme, the committee looked forward to the attendance of the Mayor later this year. Among other issues, this was an opportunity to raise with him the Government’s proposed tourism tax.

Next meeting, 23 March 2026 – a special scrutiny meeting of the committee had been convened in Scarborough to review bathing water quality in the resort.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to St John Harris of Democratic Services and supplied the text (contact details below) by midday on Wednesday, 25 February, 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.

There were ten public questions and statements submitted to the committee. Questions 3 and 4 were considered at Minute 185 – North Yorkshire Council Harbours Strategy questions 5 to 10 were considered at Minute 186 – Whitby Cliff Lift.

1.     I refer to my question raised at the September meeting in respect of meetings to be held regularly in Whitby, when it was agreed that future meetings will be held alternately in Whitby from March 2026.  The September meeting should be held in Whitby and I would like to know the progress that has been made to find a venue with the required technology. In 2027 Whitby Leisure Centre will revert back to NYC at the end of the 10 year lease agreement with Everyone Active.  May I suggest that NYC agrees to rent the Community Room at the Centre for future meetings, and to install the technology required to stream meetings or to use a portable system?  By installing the equipment the room will be ready for use when NYC takes over, but will also allow Everyone Active to rent out the room until the end of their lease with the added bonus of the streaming ability.  This way it would be a cheaper option for NYC and ensure continuity of Whitby meetings from September. (Vivienne Wright)

Reply

Thank you for your question. I can confirm that for the forthcoming 2026-27 year, ordinary meetings of Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee will alternate between Scarborough and Whitby.

6 June 2026 – Scarborough Town Hall

30 September 2026 – Whitby Pavilion

27 November 2026 – Scarborough Town Hall

31 March 2027 – Whitby Pavilion

Because of the current technological limitations at Whitby Pavilion, it has been agreed to audio record the meeting and then upload the recording to the council website afterwards.

Thank you for your suggestion of use of the Community Room at Whitby Leisure Centre which the council will investigate. The council is also exploring the feasibility of a portable technical solution for venues such as Whitby Pavilion.

In response, Ms Wright welcomed a portable technical solution noting that Whitby Leisure Centre could prove a cost effective option with such a solution and had better parking provision.

2.     Will the members of this committee contact the Executive committee and request that all changes affecting Whitby are discussed with Whitby Town Council, and that no decisions will be made without WTC agreement and support? (Councillor Sandra Turner)

Reply

The Parish Charter adopted by the Executive in July 2023 describes the working relationship between NYC and local councils.

Parish Charter | North Yorkshire Council

Among the council’s pledges are to:

• undertake statutory consultation with the parish sector including planning, licensing and highways
• engage with the parish sector on key issues that are likely to affect or be of particular interest to their area
• follow government practice and allow 12 weeks for consultation where possible, unless there are significant reasons why this cannot be achieved, and these reasons are detailed
• provide  ...  view the full minutes text for item 183.

This item was not considered since Alison Hume MP had given her apologies for health reasons.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Environment which presented the draft North Yorkshire Council Harbours Strategy for members’ comments.

James Corrigan and Robin Gray put their questions to the committee and received replies. (see Minute 183 above).

Introducing the report, the Head of Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure, Chris Bourne explained that the draft strategy before members was the result of extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, taking their views and advice into account to produce a comprehensive, easy to read document which was itself subject to further consultation. He outlined the strategy’s vision and mission and then explained the eight strategic objectives for what constituted a clear roadmap to secure the long-term future of North Yorkshire’s harbours through investment, innovation, and collaboration, namely:

1. Ensure safety and high service standards.
2. Strengthen stakeholder relationships.
3. Improve operational efficiency and resilience.
4. Maintain and upgrade infrastructure.
5. Invest in new facilities to attract growth sectors.
6. Develop markets in fishing, leisure, tourism, and renewables.
7. Ensure robust financial management.
8. Support environmental sustainability and net zero goals.

A summary was also provided of consultation undertaken, including engagement with harbour users, working groups and town councils. The strategy was open for public consultation until 22 March 2026 after which it would be submitted to the Executive for adoption.

Members raised a number of points and questions including:

·       Clarification of governance arrangements, including potential future use of a harbour board structure.

·       The role of dredging and the need for improved dredging capacity and licence flexibility.

·       Delivery of new infrastructure, including the proposed boat lift at Scarborough.

·       Concerns from Whitby Yacht Club regarding bridge opening arrangements and dredging depth.

·       The need for improved shoreside power provision.

·       Importance of ensuring meaningful involvement of local division members in strategy development and harbour user groups.

·       The relevance of rail connections to Whitby Harbour and whether this should be referenced in the strategy.

·       How findings from the ‘Beyond the Shoreline’ economic report could be more explicitly reflected.

In response, Mr Bourne:

·       reaffirmed that the current governance model was through the Council’s Executive but alternative models could be considered following consultation feedback;

·       confirmed active work on dredging and recent agreement from the Marine Management Organisation to remove the 5,000‑tonne monthly dredging limit;

·       noted that delivery of a Scarborough boat lift was dependent on completion of the West Pier regeneration scheme, removal of Building 4 and securing of external funding;

·       agreed to consider adding reference to bridge opening issues, rail access and governance models within the final strategy where appropriate;

·       agreed to invite Whitby division members to future Whitby Harbour User group meetings.

Members emphasised the importance of strong communication, transparency and engagement with all harbour users, noting the need to harness local maritime knowledge and experience.

Resolved

That the committee notes the draft Harbours Strategy and the comments made during the meeting to be fed into the ongoing consultation process.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Environment which provided an update on the second inspection of the Whitby Cliff Lift shaft undertaken by Anglo American on 21 January 2026 and the issues facing the council in respect of the lift.

The statements and questions of Peter Graham, John Howarth, Benita Nicholson, Sue Stuart, Averil Jefferson and Dorothy Russell were put to the committee and replies received. (see Minute 183 above).

Members were advised that the findings remained largely unchanged from the previous inspection in August 2025, confirming that whilst the shaft appeared dry, water ingress continued to be the underlying cause of corrosion and structural deterioration.

Members were further reminded that the previous estimate of £5 million for full waterproofing works was only an indicative worst‑case scenario and not based on detailed surveys. Further extensive investigative work would be required before any definitive costings could be established. The cost of repairing the lift mechanism itself was estimated at approximately £599k, not including any deterioration since 2020.

Members noted the significant financial pressures facing the Council following the reduction in Government funding and the need for £20.7m in savings over three years. Despite this, members expressed strong support for reinstating the lift, emphasising its importance for accessibility, heritage value, and Whitby’s visitor economy.

During discussion, members raised the following key points:

·       The original £5m waterproofing cost was not credible and should not be relied upon for decision making. A full set of updated surveys was needed to establish accurate figures.

·       The replacement bus was inadequate for disabled users and did not provide equivalent accessibility to the lift.

·       The cost of decommissioning (up to £538k) offered poor value compared to repair costs and would remove an important historic asset.

·       The need for the lift to operate as a going concern supported by a robust business plan, including future maintenance and operational costs.

·       The petition previously submitted demonstrated extremely strong public backing for reinstatement.

·       Members referenced concerns about potential long‑term dereliction should demolition not proceed and sought clarity on planning requirements depending on the Executive’s chosen option.

In response, the Head of Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure confirmed:

·       Further surveys would be required before any repair scheme could proceed; the 2020 figures were indicative only.

·       Planning permission would be required if the top station building were to be demolished, as it lay within a conservation area.

·       The Executive was scheduled to consider the future of the lift on 17 March 2026.

Following debate, it was

RESOLVED that the committee request that the Executive:

1. Recognise the Whitby Cliff Lift as an important historic and heritage asset for the town.

2. Direct officers to commission a full up‑to‑date technical survey of the lift shaft, structure and mechanical systems, together with robust costings for repair, waterproofing and ventilation solutions.

3. Prepare a full business plan for the lift as a going concern, including maintenance, operational costs and opportunities for income generation.

4. Consider these updated findings before making  ...  view the full minutes text for item 186.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Environment which detailed the outcomes of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit the overnight parking of motor caravans at two locations on the East Coast and sought the views of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee on the proposal to introduce a permanent traffic regulation order prohibiting the overnight parking of motor caravans in Sandsend and North Bay in Scarborough, between the hours of 11pm and 7am.

Members were informed that:

• Over 3,000 consultation responses had been received, with the overwhelming majority objecting to the ETRO.
• Two‑thirds of respondents identified as motorhome owners, and of these, 90% objected to the restrictions.
• The Cayton Bay element of the ETRO could not be trialled due to persistent vandalism of signage
• Civil Enforcement Officers carried out extensive patrols during the summer of 2025, issuing 25 PCNs at North Bay and 30 at Sandsend, suggesting general compliance.
• Displacement of motor caravans into residential areas had occurred in Scarborough and Whitby.
• The reasons for the ETRO reasons remained avoiding danger, preventing nuisance and preserving amenity in coastal locations.

During the discussion, members raised the following points:

• Support was expressed for making the ETRO permanent at Sandsend due to longstanding issues of long‑stay parking, obstruction and anti‑social behaviour, including waste disposal concerns.
• Support was expressed for making the ETRO permanent on Marine Drive because of previous problems with large clusters of motor caravans occupying seafront views and contributing to safety risks.
• One local division councillor highlighted substantial displacement into residential streets on the South Cliff, where residents reported obstructions, grey water discharge, use of public taps for filling, laundry hung on private hedges, and overnight stays lasting up to two weeks.
• Some members felt that displacement must be addressed as part of a wider strategy, not through piecemeal restrictions.
• Park and Ride sites were suggested as potential overnight facilities for motor caravans, with members noting their large size, availability overnight, and potential for charging.
• It was noted that many objections in the consultation proposed charging or providing amenities, which the officer confirmed would be explored in the forthcoming county‑wide parking review.
• An argument was made for reinstating controlled overnight parking at Royal Albert Drive rather than banning it outright, on the grounds that this would contain activity in an appropriate seafront location and prevent further displacement.

In response, the Highways Area Manager, Richard Marr confirmed:

• Displacement issues would be highlighted in the final report to the Corporate Director and Executive Member.
• Additional ETROs could be considered for specific streets but would be dependent on resources and consultation requirements.
• A wider review of motor caravan management, including collaboration with tourism officers, would take place later in 2026.
• Park and Ride use and other alternative sites would form part of that wider discussion.

Resolved

That the committee notes the report and submits the following comments to the Corporate Director and Executive Member:

• Members recognise both the benefits and challenges associated with motor caravan use on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 187.

Considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services which invited the committee to make an appointment to Groundwork Yorkshire Board of Trustees.

The Chair advised that two nominations had been received: Councillor Derek Bastiman and Councillor David Jeffels.

Upon being put to the vote by a show of hands, it was

RESOLVED that Councillor Derek Bastiman be appointed to Groundwork Yorkshire Board of Trustees.

Considered the latest draft of the committee’s work programme for 2025-26.

Following discussion, the Chair confirmed the following topics for consideration by the committee (to be discussed at the next mid cycle briefing):

• Coastal defence strategy
• Parking review – local area action plans
• Developing Harbours Strategy

In reply to members’ questions, it was confirmed that (i) the Area Committee work programme was retrospective and spanned a single year to enable the committee to review its work and outcomes over that period and to assist in the drafting of the committee’s annual report, and (ii) Whitby West Cliff Beach’s Blue Flag Status was not dependent on the Cliff Lift but on other factors notably the bathing water quality.

Resolved that the work programme be noted.

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

There was no urgent business.

Extraordinary meeting to review bathing water quality in Scarborough:

Monday, 23 March 2026 at 10.00am at Scarborough Town Hall

Friday, 5 June 2026 at 10.00am at Scarborough Town Hall

Extraordinary meeting to review bathing water quality in Scarborough – 23 March 2026

To follow

This was provided by the Chair under Minute item 182.