Agenda item

To inform Members of the progress made in developing investment plans for key settlements within the Skipton and Ripon area through the North Yorkshire Town Investment Plan (TIP) programme, and to present proposed schemes for consideration for grant funding through the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s ‘Emerging Project Fund’.

A public statement was made in relation to this agenda item, which is detailed under Minute 212.

 

The Corporate Director of Community Development submitted a report providing a progress update on the development of the Town Investment Plans in the Skipton and Ripon area.

 

Sharon Hudson, Communities Area Manager presented the report. Members were asked to endorse the proposed schemes to enhance a section of the canal towpath in Skipton, as well as improving the marketplace in Ripon, as outlined in paragraphs 6.6 and 6.7 of the report.

 

Sharon advised that plans in Pateley Bridge, Bentham, Masham and Skipton were also being worked on.

 

Lilla Bathurst, Manager at Ripon BID presented a verbal update to the Committee on the issues that were of concern for Ripon businesses and raised the below points:

 

·       Ripon businesses sought investment in the Market Square to increase dwell time, with the majority of visits currently being fairly short. For example, improved, more thought-out curved seating.

·       Seasonal industrialisation of the south side of the Market Square during the months May to October to create a bigger events space.

·       Exploring flexible seating, specifically the parklet option being trialled in different areas which can be moved for events.

·       The urgent need for more power points, especially at the Thursday market, which are also needed to power the four phone boxes on site.

·       Consideration to the work that is done as part of the Town Investment Plan should resurfacing take place in the Market Square.

·       The possibility of adding parking on the south side of the Market Square in the off season as well as increasing the car parking limit to a one and a half hour limit to increase overall dwell time at the market, if the extra funds were ringfenced to Ripon.

 

Members discussed the report, as well as the verbal update from the Ripon BID representative and raised the following points:

 

·       A meeting was to be held in January 2026 with the Division Member for Ripon Minster and Moorside and the relevant officers and Executive Member regarding the surfacing of Ripon Market Square, and the impact on the works to enhance the Square.

·       That a deferral of the Town Investment Plan could result in funding not being prioritised for the scheme, and that any current issues with Ripon City Council ought not to impact the delivery of a project aimed to improve Ripon.

·       The safety issues as a result of insufficient power points and trailing wires on market days.

·       The suggestion that any resurfacing work ought to be considered when enhancement works are carried out.

·       That unused outdoor space could be used for car parking in the winter months.

·       That the pedestrianisation of Kirkgate and Marketplace South should be explored, and NYC Highways involvement to be supported by the Area Committee.

·       The need for more greening in the city centre.

·       Concerns over the Government’s proposed tourist tax and the impact this could have on encouraging visitors to the Skipton and Ripon area.

·       Members endorsed the work on the Town Investment Plan in Bentham, and hoped that Ripon would benefit from similar enhancement plans.

·       In response to a comment about the need to work alongside the Mayoral Combined Authority to ensure that funding from the Clotherholme development is released into Ripon, Sharon Hudson confirmed that discussions with Homes England had taken place to link in with the Town Investment Plan for Ripon.

·       With the support of the Ripon Division Members, it was suggested that an additional recommendation be added requesting that NYC Highways explore the pedestrianisation of Ripon city centre.

·       It was requested that Members be kept informed of any additional settlements included in the Town Investment Plan. 

 

Resolved (unanimously)

 

That the Committee:

 

       i.         Notes the progress made in developing Town Investment Plans within the Skipton and Ripon area.

 

     ii.         Endorses the proposed schemes to (a) enhance a section of the canal towpath in Skipton, and (b) improve the marketplace in Ripon, as outlined in sections 6.6 and 6.7 of the report, for consideration as part of the Council’s package of projects for submission to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority for grant funding through the Town Investment Plan Emerging Project Fund.

 

    iii.         A further recommendation was added by the Committee requesting that NYC Highways explore the pedestrianisation of Ripon city centre.

 

 

At this point in the meeting, Members agreed to bring item 5 – Update from Rt Hon Julian Smith MP forward.