Inconsistencies in the planning decisions made by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority occur because planning officers have different approaches to applications, Richmondshire District councillor Caroline Thornton Berry told Aysgarth and District Parish Council at its meeting on September 15.
Cllr Thornton Berry, who is chairman of the Authority’s planning committee, said: “You are dealing with humans and the planning officers are all different. They all have different takes on everything. That’s what you are up against. There is no total consistency.”
She was answering a question from Cllr Margaret Jones about inconsistencies in how applications for garages had been dealt with.
Cllr Thornton Berry reminded the parish council that it should always give clear and strong reasons for either agreeing or disagreeing with a planning application. Then, if the opinion of the parish council was different to a planning officer’s recommendation, the issue would be discussed by the planning committee.
She also encouraged people to contact her if they were having problems with a planning application. “That’s what I am here for – and will be until May [2019]”. She explained that the ward she represented, Penhill, would no longer exist after that.
Remembrance. – The clerk reported that the bid for a grant from the Upper Dales Area Partnership for the community Festival of Remembrance being hosted by Aysgarth church from November 9 to November 11 had been successful. The grant will amount to £935.
On behalf of Aysgarth Parochial Church Council Pip Pointon thanked the parish council and the clerk for their support and assistance.
Flood damage. – It was agreed to pay for pipes that can be used to help alleviate flooding on the road from Newbiggin to the B6160 at Street Head.
The flooding causes grit and debris to collect on the highway. Cllr Jones described the condition of the road as horrendous and warned that a serious accident could occur.
It was also agreed to try and alleviate flooding along West Lane from the Outgang in Thornton Rust. This will be funded from the Thornton Mire account.
Highways. – Cllr Linda Cooper reported that there were still problems on the hill below Thoralby due to visitors parking on a bend in the road beside a holiday cottage.
Cllr Peter Windle told the meeting that the footpath between Heather Cottage and the centre of Aysgarth required repairing, as did part of the highway near the George and Dragon.
Yore Mill. – Cllr Thornton Berry said that Building Control had inspected Yore Mills and had given assurances that the building was safe and there was no public hazard.
Next meeting. – Is in Aysgarth Institute at 7.30pm on October 11
