Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Andy Brown and Andrew Williamson (substitute Councillor Nick Brown).

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 May 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.  In referring to minute 151, Councillor Ireton thanked officers for pursuing the Secretary of State for a decision regarding an application for development at the old sawmill, Marton Road, Gargrave. 

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.

Councillor Brodigan declared a non-prejudicial interest in application HGTZC24/0309/FUL as she was a Ripon City Councillor and had had communications with the agent and relevant planning officer. She declared that she was the Division Member covering the area of the application site.  Councillor Nick Brown also declared an interest insofar as he purchased oil from Tate Oil.

Planning Application

The Committee considered a report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services relating to an application for planning permission which was recommended for refusal.  In considering the report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services, regard had been paid to the policies of the relevant development plan, the National Planning Policy Framework and all other material planning considerations.   

Report of the 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 a former petrol station and the erection of six self-contained residential apartments and associated parking at Skellbank Garage, Skellbank, Ripon, North Yorkshire on behalf of Tate Fuel Oils Limited.  The Head of Development Management had recommended that planning permission be refused for the reasons set out in the report.

Members of the Committee had visited the site in order to gather factual information and visualise any impact the proposed development could have on the Conservation Area.

Referring to the report, the case officer expanded on the recommended reasons for refusal which were the effect the development would have on the Conservation Area and the Listed Building.  The four parking spaces would not preserve or enhance the built environment, the eaves height and the impact of the simplified elevation and roof details which ignored utility installations.  In addition, no appropriate gypsum report and stability declaration had been provided.

Councillor Andrew Williams spoke on behalf of Ripon City Council.  In doing so, he stated that, having been in involved in meetings with planning enforcement to try to get the applicant to tidy up the site, he did not feel it appropriate that he sat in judgement.  Furthermore, he had no financial or personal interest in the site whatsoever.  

Agent Richard Mowat spoke on behalf of the applicant.

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

-        The housing land supply as set out in the Harrogate Local Plan.

-        The Listed Building, heritage assets and Conservation Area must be respected although it was noted that the Civic Society and Ripon City Council supported the scheme.

-        The application site was an eyesore and required development.

-        The planning officer stated that should Members wish to approve the application, a gypsum report would be required.

-        The open style of the undercroft designated for parking would mean vehicles being visible from the road.

-        The solicitor stated that, if the Committee were minded to approve the application, her advice was to defer determination to a future meeting until a set of conditions and gypsum report were available for Members to consider.

-        The solicitor also pointed out that the Committee would need to provide planning reasons based on policy as to why the application should be approved against officer recommendation.

Resolved –

That, the Committee is minded to approve the application, but the decision is deferred subject to receipt of a satisfactory gypsum report and for planning conditions to be presented back to Committee at the earliest opportunity.

Reasons

The reasons for being minded to approve the application against officer recommendation were that the design was considered acceptable as the location contained a mix of house styles and it helped meet local housing need.  Members felt that these reasons outweighed the detriment of harm.

Voting record –

A vote was taken and the motion was 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 01 July 2025 at 1pm. Venue to be decided.

Tuesday 1 July 2025 at a venue to be decided.