Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to Democratic Services (democraticservices.east@northyorkshire.gov.uk) and supplied the text by midday on 24 June 2026, three working days before the day of the meeting. Each speaker should limit themselves to three minutes on any item.
If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chair who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak.
Minutes:
From Chris Johnson, on behalf of Stokesley Town Council.
1. I would like to briefly touch on two issues on today’s agenda that are of particular importance to Stokesley and the surrounding area.
Firstly, before the Committee receives the formal update from LINK, I wanted to thank Members and Rishi for the support shown to the Stokesley Banking Hub campaign since I last addressed this Committee in March.
This is a campaign that Cllr Bryn Griffiths and I have been leading for over a year, working with residents, businesses and community organisations to make the case for a Banking Hub in Stokesley.
We were delighted when LINK confirmed that Stokesley had been recommended for a Banking Hub. While there is still work to do before it becomes operational, this is a major milestone and reflects the strength of local support for the campaign.
That support has helped ensure that the voice of Stokesley and the surrounding area has been heard.
The work is not finished. Bryn and I remain actively involved, working with stakeholders on potential locations, keeping local businesses and residents updated, and helping to ensure the hub is delivered as quickly as possible.
2. The following statement was made at item 9 of the agenda
Secondly, I would like to raise an issue relating to CCTV.
Are Members aware that this Council charges North Yorkshire Police to access CCTV footage? Are they also aware that North Yorkshire Council appears to be one of only a handful of councils in the country to do so?
Most councils take the view that residents are best served by working alongside the police to prevent and solve crime, rather than placing restrictions or financial barriers in the way of accessing potential evidence.
The income generated from these charges is minimal given the context of the Council’s overall budget. However, the potential consequences are much greater. Every request requires additional administration, additional time and additional public resources. More importantly, any barrier to accessing CCTV footage risks discouraging its use or delaying access to evidence that could help identify offenders, secure convictions and keep our communities safe.
Residents expect CCTV cameras to be there to support law enforcement and protect the public. They do not expect one public body to charge another for access to evidence gathered for that very purpose.
I am therefore formally seeking this Committee’s backing for my proposal that these charges be abolished and that North Yorkshire Police be given immediate and unrestricted access to CCTV footage for the purposes of preventing and detecting crime.
Surely our shared priority should be making it as easy as possible to solve crime and keep residents safe.
From Suzy Wilson. Ms Wilson was unable to attend the
meeting, so the following statement was read by Councillor Angus Thompson.
I am speaking on behalf of the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group.
Firstly, we are very grateful for the Right Honourable MP Rishi Sunak for mentioning us last Thursday, 11th June 2026, in the House of Commons. This was a significant moment for the campaign, bringing it to the heart of where the decisions are made. Also for his recognition of Cllr. Angus Thompson, who has supported the campaign since its early stages.
The proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm is one of the most significant developments ever proposed for our area. It has the potential to affect our landscape, environment, tourism economy, local infrastructure and the daily lives of residents across Richmondshire for generations to come.
Given the scale and importance of this proposal, local people are asking a simple question: what are Richmondshire-based members of this committee doing to ensure that local voices are properly heard and represented throughout this process?
I am told that many in the local North Yorkshire communities feel they are not being engaged with by North Yorkshire county and local councillors. My understanding is that Richmond should be scoped into the consultation. Along with a wider reach, such as Leyburn. While we appreciate that the final decision may ultimately rest with the Secretary of State, the communities and councils can take back some control and can impact the final decision. It does not have to be developer lead. Also this should not prevent North Yorkshire Council from actively engaging with local communities, gathering evidence and developing an informed position on behalf of its residents.
Durham County Council Planning arranged a meeting with affected parish councils and elected representatives to discuss the NSIP process in which we find Hope Moor Wind Farm proposal on. This proved very helpful. Also some of the county and town councillors are working across party lines to understand the implications of the scheme and ensure local concerns are properly considered. They are being very proactive in their efforts. This is above party politics.
Would North Yorkshire county and town councillors who are in a position to oppose this proposal be able to help coordinate a county-wide understanding of the impacts of this proposal?
Also are North Yorkshire Council able to bring together the parish councils, Parish meeting representatives and other interested bodies, to a meeting regarding the current energy NSIP process in which this proposal sits? This would educate, reassure and enable such people to confidently engage with the process. And also to stop ad hoc interpretations being put into practice. The community engagement is a significant aspect of the pre application stage, such an input would be very helpful.
“This is about the future of the place we live, the character of our communities, and the wellbeing of the people who call this area home. As the communities’ awareness and understanding increases they are looking towards cross party councillors to provide leadership and strong engagement.” (Jo Foster, community representative)
Residents want to see councillors speaking with one voice on behalf of Richmondshire and working collaboratively to ensure this proposal receives the rigorous scrutiny it deserves. The communities affected by this proposal deserve nothing less.
Thank you
(Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group)
The Chair responded that North Yorkshire Council had made representations to the stage one consultation and scoping submission which closed on 30 June 2026.