Agenda item

The Chair informed Members that he had received correspondence from North Yorkshire Council (NYC) concerning two consultations relating to the proposed new NYC Local Plan (LP). The two consultations were scheduled to run concurrently for a period of eight weeks, commencing on 19 May and concluding at midnight on 15 July 2025.  Given that the LP had previously been identified as a potential item for inclusion on a future NYLAF Forward Plan, the Chair had invited an officer from the Planning Policy and Place team to attend the meeting.  The purpose of their attendance was to provide an overview of the consultations and the process to be followed.

Rachael Balmer, Planning Policy and Place Officer attended the meeting remotely and delivered a presentation which provided an overview of the two ongoing consultations to include an explanation of the LP, the timetable for the LP preparation, the scope of the consultations, key issues to be considered in the development of the new LP, and the proposed next steps.

Of the two consultations under review—the Issues and Options Consultation and the Sustainability Appraisal—the officer highlighted that the Issues and Options document was the most relevant to the LAF, and therefore suggested that the LAF may wish to focus its attention on this particular document.  The purpose of the Issues and Options consultation was to determine whether the document accurately identified the key issues and priorities that the LP should address.  It also aimed to gather public feedback on the consultation questions, which included various options for the new LP, and to engage with local communities to invite views on local matters of concern. 

The document contained two overarching themes: tackling climate change, zero emissions and building resilience against the changing climate, and promoting healthier lives, sustainable communities and reducing inequalities through planning.

Members heard that the government had set a clear expectation for a substantial increase in housebuilding across North Yorkshire over the next five years, with the annual target rising to 4,156 homes, this was significantly higher than previously experienced levels.  In considering the key factors influencing where the Council should focus development within the county, the following priorities had been identified: addressing local housing needs, reinforcing the role and function of existing settlements, overcoming infrastructure constraints, capitalising on opportunities for sustainable transport, and taking into account environmental considerations.

The LP consultation was also seeking views on the new growth strategy and how it should be focussed, the sustainable growth strategy was based around 5 areas:

·       Developing entirely new settlements and communities.

·       Growing locations that were well served by sustainable transport links.

·       Dispersing development across a broader range of settlements.

·       A greater proportion of development in larger villages with a good range of services and infrastructure.

·       Prioritising growth in and around main urban areas.

Other growth considerations included settlement hierarchy, whether to apply development limits to control urban sprawl and direct growth to specific areas, and whether to review the green belt to assess whether some land should be released for development or if protections should be strengthened.

Finally, Members heard that other key priorities for the LP were achieving natural environment resilience, meeting specific housing needs, creating a
prosperous economy, creating resilient towns and centres, securing infrastructure to support growth, achieving high quality design, protecting & enhancing heritage assets, delivering the local plan; and exploring specific local issues.

In terms of responding to the consultation, Members were advised that responses could be submitted via the NYC website through the planning policy consultation portal, there was also a dedicated email address for responses and that there were also duty officers on call who were available to answer questions and provide assistance during the consultation period.

In response to a query from the Chair, the officer explained that the online consultation response form spanned 99 pages and included approximately 30 to 40 questions. However, it was noted that respondents were not required to complete the entire form; instead, they may choose to answer only those questions most relevant, allowing the response to be focused and targeted.

The officer also highlighted that additional supporting evidence was available in the Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA), a comprehensive document comprising around 400 pages.  Furthermore, it was confirmed that the LAF could submit a collective response as a consultee, while individual members could submit their own responses, either via the online consultation portal or by email.

In terms of the LP timeline, Members noted that the initial target for adoption was 2028, in line with the five-year timeframe set out in the North Yorkshire (Structural Changes) Order 2022 following the creation of the new unitary authority.  However, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities was currently in the process of implementing a range of planning reforms under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act.  These reforms were expected to streamline the planning system, and local authorities would be duty-bound to comply with the new regulations once enacted, therefore, there was a strong likelihood that the LP timeline may be moved back to 2029, although this remained subject to change.

The Chair thanked the officer for her attendance at the meeting.

Members reviewed the proposed content for future inclusion on the Forward Plan.  The Chair emphasised the importance of the LAF’s engagement in the LP consultation process and as referenced at item 1.7 invited volunteers to form a Local Plan Consultation Sub-Group to co-ordinate the Forum’s response.  A sub-group was formed to consist of Martin Reynolds, Samantha Perks, Stephen Clark, Belinda Ryan and Judith Hooper, and the Chair.

Mr Kelly drew Members attention to item 1.4 of the proposed items and informed them that two separate consultations were due to commence this month: the Nidderdale National Landscape Management Plan 2025–2030 and the Howardian Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025–2030.  Mr. Kelly emphasised the time-sensitive nature of the upcoming consultations, noting that the deadlines for responses would fall before the next scheduled Forum meeting in September 2025.  Forum Members Mark Cunliffe-Lister and John Toogood volunteered to contribute to the consultation responses, and it was suggested that Roma Haigh assist, subject to confirmation of her availability; if unavailable, the Chair agreed to step in and support the process.

Resolved

i)               To create a Local Plan Consultation Sub-Group to consist of Martin Reynolds, Samantha Perks, Stephen Clark, Belinda Ryan and Judith Hooper, and the Chair.

ii)              To form a Nidderdale National Landscape Management Plan 2025-30 and Howardian Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025-30 Sub-Group to consist of Mark Cunliffe-Lister, John Toogood and Roma Haigh, subject to her availability.