Tag: North Yorkshire Council

End of an era as councillors agree to cease education trips to East Barnby

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

Senior members of North Yorkshire Council have unanimously agreed to cease educational and residential trips to East Barnby outdoor centre.

At a meeting of the authority’s Executive held in Northallerton yesterday, members rubber-stamped a report where council officers had previously made a number of recommendations.

It has been agreed that NYC will cease further capital investment in the East Barnby site and terminate the lease with the Mulgrave Estate, subject to completion of the necessary legal and financial arrangements.

Outdoor learning will be provided at Birch Hall in Scarborough until July 31, 2028.

Funding already set aside for investment at East Barnby will pay for a staffing restructure.

The Corporate Director Children & Young Peoples Service will undertake an options appraisal and business case to set out the long-term vision, ambition and future viability, for the provision of outdoor learning in North Yorkshire September 2028.

The centre at East Barnby, made up of 24 post-war prefabs, has been temporarily closed since December last year due to concerns over the electrics and wiring and NYC says it is more cost effective to pay its way out of the lease arrangement with Mulgrave Estate, than it would be to carry out the repairs needed.

Outdoor learning since December has been provided at Bewerley Park near Harrogate and will now be at Scarborough – with reduced days and only in term time.

Coun Liz Colling, chair of the Scarborough and Whitby area committee, pushed for the review to find a way of bringing provision back to the area.

She said: “The area committee would like to stress the importance of provision in the east of the county and the importance of a coastal location to take advantage of a wide range of activities the coast facilitates.

“Bewerley Park may be beautifully appointed but it is simply not in the right place or easily accessible. It is some distance from the east coast, nor able to offer the range of activities a coastal location could.

“We are aware the review will take to 2028, but we’d like to put our marker in the sand to say we are looking forward to that review and hope we will have a new facility on the east coast in due course.”

Coun Annabel Wilkinson, NYC’s Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills, added: “This report does not propose ending outdoor learning on the East Coast. Instead, it recommends a new delivery model that maintains opportunities for our children and young people while a longer-term solution is developed.

“For many children and young people, outdoor learning offers a chance to try new experiences, build friendships, develop skills, and create memories that will stay with them for life. We want to retain those wonderful memories for future generations.”

NYC will also now enter discussions with staff and unions about re-structuring and job losses, as it was confirmed at the meeting moving the outdoor learning provision to Scarborough means contracts for staff working at East Barnby “don’t align”.

Council to permanently cease East Barnby residentials with jobs affected

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

North Yorkshire Council is planning to end its lease for school residentials at East Barnby Outdoor Centre and transfer them to Scarborough.

The centre at East Barnby has been temporarily closed since December last year due to concerns over the electrics and wiring.

Now, NYC says it would be more cost effective to pay its way out of the lease arrangement with Mulgrave Estate, than it would to carry out the repairs needed.

The proposals also indicate there will be job losses as a result of re-structuring but the details are not contained in public reports.

A report will be put to councillors on Tuesday next week asking the Children’s and Young Persons Executive to cease further capital investment in the East Barnby site, approve the termination of the lease with the Mulgrave Estate subject to legal necessities, and carry on the current temporary arrangement at Birch Hall Scout Camp in Scarborough until July 31, 2028.

Councillors will also be asked to approve the repurposing of funding, set aside for investment in East Barnby back in 2023, to facilitate an arrangement with Birch Hall and manage a proposed staffing restructure and contracts.

Documents say: “Current employment contracts for teaching staff (teachers and tutors), and for catering and cleaning staff, do not align with the proposed delivery model at Birch Hall Scout Camp.

“The change in delivery model requires a reduced and restructured workforce, reflecting: Lower capacity, relating to reduced numbers of beds; Reduced operating days, Tuesday to Friday during term time; Different allocated work base, change from the East Barnby to Birch Hall site.
“A formal consultation process will be undertaken with staff and unions in line with Council policy.”

Prior to having to close last year, the East Barnby site has been hosting residentials for 70 years, and welcomed 5,000 young people each year with the aim of providing opportunities – such as climbing, orienteering and mountain biking – for youngsters from deprived backgrounds.

The East Barnby site has of 24 prefabricated buildings, with accommodation facilities for 152 overnight visitors. It has a fully operational kitchen and a dining room, breakout classrooms, offices, staff accommodation, and stores for outdoor equipment.

Birch Hall can take 80 visitors and is available Tuesday to Friday. It means certain groups will now not be able to access residentials, such as WHISH and YEAT Academy Schools as they generally book on weekends or school holidays when there will be no access to Birch Hall.

NYC says the reduced offer, plus the extra distance for East Barnby staff are also reasons for the restructure.

However, NYC says there are no other suitable NYC sites and Birch Hall is a better option than closing the outdoor learning service in this area completely.

If the plans are given the go-ahead by councillors next week, the Corporate Director Children & Young People Services will also undertake an options appraisal and business case to set out the long-term vision, ambition and future viability, for the provision of Outdoor Learning in North Yorkshire from September 2028 when the current agreement with Birch Hall will end.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Coun Annabel Wilkinson, said: “For many children and young people, outdoor learning offers the chance to try new experiences, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.

“The proposals being considered seek to ensure there is no disruption to outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people while we consider options for the future delivery of the service on the east coast.”

New houses planned for Whitby will not be second homes or holiday lets, says council

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

North Yorkshire Council members say they have already begun to receive objection letters to a development in Whitby that has not yet even requested planning permission.

Earlier this month, North Yorkshire Council (NYC) announced it was looking to enter into a 30 year partnership with national housing developer, Lovell, in a deal worth £3.9bn to help the authority meet the housing targets it says it has been set.

One of its two, first projects, is 60 homes on a parcel of council-owned land – off Sandsend Road and backing on to Love Lane – with 18 to be deemed affordable housing.

At an Executive meeting of NYC, held last week, to approve the joint venture agreement between the authority and Lovell, the council leader said he had received “a number” of letters about the Whitby project.

Coun Carl Les said: “We need to note we have all received a number of letters about this subject. The vast majority are to do with planning matters for a planning application, in Whitby, that has not yet been received.”

Locals are concerned about over-development, the lack of infrastructure, loss of greenspace and whether the properties will be sold or allocated specifically to local people and what does ‘affordable’ actually mean?

Andy Jefferson, on behalf of Whitby Community Network, spoke at last Tuesday’s neeting and said the proposals didn’t meet the town’s biggest needs.

Mr Jefferson said: “The proposed agreement is only providing 30 per cent as “affordable” housing. Thirty per cent “affordable” housing is the present requirement under the Local Plan for any housing developer, therefore how is this joint venture “increasing affordable housing delivery”? What benefit is being gained by the local taxpayers or the residents of Whitby?”

The average wage in Whitby still isn’t enough to meet mortgage requirements even for affordable housing, whilst 45 per cent of housing in town is being used for holiday or second homes, he added.

Councillors themselves expressed concern about affordability and making sure new homes meet Whitby’s need.

Coun Simon Myers, Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, said NYC was looking at ways to make sure the houses are not later used for second homes or holiday lets.

He said: “The Council recognises the housing challenges facing Whitby, including affordability pressures, the impact of second homes and holiday accommodation, and the need for housing that meets the requirements of local residents.

“The provision of new social rented homes through this development would make a direct contribution towards addressing those needs and would provide housing that remains available to local households in perpetuity.

“The Council has also made clear it is considering mechanisms to ensure homes delivered through the joint venture, particularly in Whitby and other coastal communities, are used as primary residences rather than as second homes or holiday lets.

“Whether this is achieved through arrangements within the joint venture itself or through the planning process is still being considered, but the intention is clear: the homes are being delivered to meet local housing need and not to become short-term holiday accommodation.”

The meeting also heard any future planning applications for houses off Sandsend Road – and issues relating to affordable housing provision, highway safety, environmental impact, open space, biodiversity, drainage, and the future operation of Whitby golf course – will be subject to the usual planning processes.

The Sandsend Road development, alongside one in Eastfield, Scarborough for 550 homes, are the first two under the new partnership between NYC and Lovell.

They will be the first council houses for rent in the Whitby area for 50 years, added Coun Myers.

He said: “The Joint Venture has a specific objective of increasing the supply of affordable and social rented homes across the county. 

“The development of site HA22 in Whitby presents an opportunity to facilitate the delivery of  new council-owned social rented homes, which are the most affordable form of housing available. These homes would provide accommodation for local people on local incomes and would, to my knowledge, be the first new social rented homes delivered in Whitby for more than 50 years.”

There will be 49 affordable homes at Broomfields Phase 3, a development being built by NYC’s own housing company, whilst NYC is still exploring 100 per cent affordable housing near Rievaulx Road, Whitby.

Coun Caroline Goodrick added joint venture developments should also be considered for providing much needed accommodation for young people coming out of care.

Former Eskdale School site being considered for extra-care housing scheme instead of hospital

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

The former Eskdale School site could now be used for an extra-care housing development, instead of land near Whitby Hospital as originally planned.

For years, extra-care housing was earmarked for building on the footprint of the former hospital after it was demolished and re-configured.

However, North Yorkshire Council (NYC) has confirmed the former school site, on Stainsacre Lane, is now being considered for the scheme, along with other locations in Whitby.

NYC’s corporate director for health and adult services, Abigail Barron, said: “We have a long-standing ambition to bring an Extra Care scheme to Whitby as part of our nationally recognised supported housing programme.

“We are currently looking at possible sites in the town, including the former Eskdale School site.”

It also leaves the future of the site near the hospital uncertain.

However, Coun Neil Swannick, for NYC’s Whitby Streonshalh ward, told a recent meeting of Whitby Town Council, builders and contractors have said the site is difficult to build on because it is on a hill. He added the site should be designated for public use or housing, rather than it be sold and receipts spent outside of the town.

Scrub land on the former Whitby Hospital site where extra-care was originally intended. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Coun Swannick said: “Extra-care housing was intended for land on what previously formed part of Whitby Hospital before it was re-modelled and smaller. 

“This area was passed to NYC, and when it has gone out to tender, contractors are reluctant to build on the hill and it is not big enough to build more than the 50 units, which had originally been proposed.

“Each time they have come back with facts and figures about why it is not viable, but I am very clear, it should not be used as an income stream or capital receipts to be spent on other activities.

“I shall seek for housing or public use on that site and will continue to do so.”

The need for extra-care housing in Whitby has come to the fore again with the announcement, back in May, that Larpool Lane Care Home, and also Silver Birches in Filey, will be replaced by a new council-run Care & Support Hub in Scarborough.

It appears even ward councillors were unaware plans to close Larpool Lane were being progressed.

Larpool Lane Care Home in Whitby. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Coun Swannick said it is not fair for Whitby residents, and their families, to have to travel to Scarborough for elderly care – which is highly likely to be dementia related.

He said: “I am rather disappointed about the way that information was managed. I have been in discussion with officers for many months about provision of extra-care housing in Whitby.

“Whitby was one of the towns designated as needing extra-care housing. The idea was extra-care would be available, should Larpool Lane at some time in the future be closed. I was not aware an announcement would come so soon.

“Whilst it has done a service for the people of Whitby when they needed somewhere for care, Larpool Lane is no longer fit for purpose. I was hoping I could say that the extra-care facility was going ahead urgently before we got to this point.”

The future of the Eskdale site has been the subject of debate since the school closed in 2024, and it now forms part of NYC’s Local Plan Call for Sites.

Landowners, developers and promoters were asked to suggest sites for consideration, as well as NYC reviewing its own estate, to identify potential development opportunities.

Out of several hundreds of suggestions, a total of 47 sites were selected for further consideration, including Eskdale.

With regards to the extra-care scheme, the NYC spokesperson added: “No decisions have been made. We will speak and consult with the local community in Whitby before starting any process to find a developer for a potential scheme.”

Latest: Whitby Swing Bridge to remain closed for another week as work continues

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

Whitby’s Swing Bridge will stay closed for another week, North Yorkshire Council has announced this afternoon (Thursday).

The current works were expected to be completed tomorrow (Friday July 10) but are now expected to be complete by Friday July 17.

In a new update, North Yorkshire Council (NYC) said the bridge will continue to be closed to vehicles and there will also be a period of closure to pedestrians.

This will be from 6pm on Monday July 13, to 2am on Tuesday July 14.

It is to allow work to be carried out which requires the bridge to be opened for river traffic.

Engineers working on the swing bridge this week. Picture: Ceri Oakes

While the pedestrian closure is in place, a shuttle bus will operate on Monday from 6pm until midnight.

This week’s works, so excavations behind the steel plate could be created, allowing additional space for the bridge to swing, were supposed to be completed tomorrow.

They followed an overnight closure last week to allow engineers to ‘shave off’ the ends of the bridge which meet. It was believed heat from the weather was causing expansion of the road surface and metal stoppers.

Over the last couple of months there have been several other occasions where the bridge wouldn’t close again and the fire service have cooled the road surface with jets of water.

Engineers were planning later this summer to re-surface the bridge with a lighter coloured road surface, which will reflect heat and the sun’s rays, rather than absorb them and expand.

Fields at Larpool earmarked for extension of Whitby Cemetery

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

Decisions are set to be made later this year about plans to expand Whitby Cemetery.

The current cemetery, which spreads between Larpool Lane and Helredale Road, is incredibly close to capacity and North Yorkshire Council (NYC) has been looking for sites in which to expand the cemetery.

Last month, officers made a request for appropriate capital funding to do the works and a decision is expected when NYC’s Executive meet on September 15.

Although a site has not been confirmed, the playing fields off Larpool Drive have been cited as an option.

Land off Larpool Lane which will potentially be used to expand Whitby Cemetery. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Giving an update at a recent meeting of Whitby Town Council, ward councillor Neil Swannick said: “There is some considerable spend being envisaged for cemeteries in Scarborough and Whitby.

“In Whitby that decision is to move forward with an area of land on Larpool Lane. I know you have campaigned against it in the past, but we are short of space and that is the most sensible place to do it.”

The cemetery was built in 1862 and was later extended towards Helredale Road. Already, NYC has said, grave plot spaces are unable to be purchased due to the limited space left and it is estimated the cemetery will be at full capacity within the next two years.

Coun Swannick added: “It is running out of space and by the time some of us come to be buried there, there will be no space.”

An NYC report states: “Expansion of cemetery sites require full planning permission so a comprehensive range of local and statutory consultees must be consulted with.”

This includes residents, ward councillors, the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water.

Council to build 60 new houses off Sandsend Road in bid to meet government targets

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

Sixty houses are earmarked for development on fields on the outskirts of Whitby as part of a plan by North Yorkshire Council to build sustainable and affordable housing.

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) is proposing to enter into a joint venture with national housing developer, Lovell Partnerships Ltd, to build 600 homes across Scarborough and Whitby – and share the profits.

There will be 60 houses built on land off Sandsend Road, behind Love Lane looking towards the golf course. A further 550 will be built near Eastfield at Scarborough. A council report says there will be 18 affordable homes on the Whitby development and 196 in Scarborough.

The Government has set NYC a target of delivering more than 4,000 new homes a year. The affordable homes delivered through the proposed partnership will be taken on by NYC in its capacity as a social landlord, as it aims to increase its housing stock by at least 500 new homes.

Under the agreement with Lovell, NYC provides the development land with Lovell matching its value through funding. Profit will be shared equally between the two organisations.

Land to the rear of Love Lane in Whitby that is earmarked for 60 new houses. Picture: Ceri Oakes

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Coun Simon Myers, said: “This proposed partnership gives us a real opportunity to have greater control and help us better shape how new homes are delivered across the county.

“By working with a trusted partner and using land we already own, we can accelerate the delivery of high-quality housing, including much-needed affordable homes, so that more families have the opportunity to live in the communities they want to.

“Rather than simply selling land to private developers, this approach would also allow us to retain influence over what is built and when – helping us to deliver new homes and the supporting infrastructure they need, while promoting sustainable communities.

“As demand for housing continues to grow, particularly in our coastal and rural areas, this is an important step towards delivering the right homes in the right places for the people of North Yorkshire.

“This will be carefully considered by members of the executive at next week’s meeting.”

In June last year, NYC approved the principle of creating a Joint Venture limited liability partnership between itself and Lovell for the purposes of building new, environmentally sustainable, affordable homes with social value.

As well as Sandsend Road and Eastfield, schemes were also suggested for Rievaulx Road in Whitby and Sharphaw Avenue, Skipton. These two sites do not feature in this current scheme but are potential future ones.

Among the recommendations to be presented to the council’s executive committee next week, include a proposal to use initial capital and revenue receipts from the joint venture -up to £5m – to create a council budget to support the partnership.

The proposals are due to be considered by members of NYC’s executive committee when it meets on Tuesday July 14.

Whitby’s swing bridge closed AGAIN by council just days after temporary repair

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

The swing bridge in Whitby will be closed to vehicles all week as North Yorkshire Council (NYC) works again to repair it following several failures in the last few weeks.

As the bridge failed again over the weekend, a road sign was suddenly placed at each side of the bridge saying it will be closed from today until Friday.

Pedestrian access will still be possible.

NYC says it is now excavating behind the steel plate to create additional space for the bridge to swing.

The authority added, however, that it doesn’t know the full extent of the work required until the excavation begins.

Last week, NYC closed the bridge on Tuesday for an emergency repair following a weekend where the bridge failed numerous times.

Engineers were going to remove build up of corrosion on the deck ends, which NYC said was being made worse by the extreme heat.

It was also planning this summer to re-surface the bridge in a lighter colouring to reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s rays to help prevent the surface expanding.

The Anchor had approached NYC last week for further updates on whether this has been successful.

Today a spokesperson added: “Details of what is required and any further works will be communicated when we can.”

Devastating impact of wildfires still felt say businesses as council steps in with grant

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

North Yorkshire Council has stepped in to help businesses affected by last summer’s wildfires after the government ruled they would not qualify for compensation.

Grants of up to £2,500 are being made available to businesses that qualify, with the prospect of an additional hardship support payment of up to £12,000.

The money is to provide financial support for businesses, which had to be evacuated during the blaze on Fylingdales Moor, the biggest wildfire in the region’s history.

Confirmed as having been started in Langdale Forest by a cooking or campfire, it spread to ten square miles of moorland and was perilously close to spreading towards rural villages and businesses – one of which was Grouse Hill Caravan Park, off the A171 Whitby to Scarborough road.

Owners Andrew and Caroline Butterfield have long since fought for the financial impact on businesses to be recognised as they had to evacuate and close their caravan site, with future bookings being cancelled.

Along with their two children, William, aged 18, and 16-year-old Amelia they had to flee the site with their pets and leave everything else behind.

Mr Butterfield said: “The funding that the council has provided is extremely welcome, and it is giving us much-needed financial support as the effects of the wildfire are still very much evident a year on.

“Everyone who was affected by the fire has in the back of their minds that this could happen again, especially when we experience the extremely warm weather conditions we have seen this summer.”

Mrs Butterfield added: “The fire had such a devastating environmental impact on the moors, but it is also the psychological effects it’s had on the communities here. The council has shown it is committed to helping the communities that were affected, and that makes a big difference knowing the support is there.”

A firefighter is pictured dousing moorland on Fylingdales Moor last summer with flames from the wildfire visible on the horizon. Picture: Paul Edwards.

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) has made the financial pledges and is working with the Two Ridings Community Foundation to provide a one-off and targeted offer to local businesses directly affected by the wildfire in light of the government ruling.

NYC leader, Coun Carl Les, said the funding was unprecedented but warned the authority can’t help every time, calling on better government support.

He said: “We are committed to supporting our communities, but I cannot stress enough that this funding has been made available due to unprecedented circumstances surrounding the Fylingdales Moor blaze.

“As a council, we will not be able to repeatedly step in to provide financial support in the future at a time when our budgets are under intense pressure and demand for our services is increasing.

“The Government needs to look very closely at how it can support communities and businesses affected by natural disasters across the country.

“There is a compelling argument that national policies do need to be reviewed as the sad but undeniable truth is that the Fylingdales Moor fire will prove not to be a one-off.”

A sign warning of the extreme danger of fires in the North York Moors National Park. In the background are scorched earth and trees from the wildfire that swept across Fylingdales Moor last summer. Picture: submitted

The council has lobbied the Government to try to secure compensation for businesses affected by the wildfire to mirror the support that is available following flooding events.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is providing £3.2m to the North York Moors National Park Authority to help to restore the moorlands which were the scene of the wildfire last summer.

However, Ministers have confirmed that there will not be any financial support available to businesses affected.

Coun Les said: “We are disappointed that the Government hasn’t extended financial support to businesses after we had asked for compensation from Westminster to support those people and enterprises affected.

“We are continuing to offer to work with the Government to draw on our own experiences in North Yorkshire to help to develop a plan for dealing with the aftermath of disasters such as the Fylingdales Moor fire.

“I would ask that Ministers carefully consider the way forward, and make sure that there is a clear and defined path to help to support any communities or businesses that will be so gravely affected by natural disasters in the future.”

Objections to plan to convert former Whitby solicitor’s office into seven holiday lets

Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

Plans to create seven holiday lets in the old North Yorkshire Law offices have been objected to by Whitby Town Council.

A planning application has been submitted to divide the grade II listed building at 23 and 23a Baxtergate into seven apartments, with balconies and a second floor extension on the flat roof of 23a.

Agents, CLB Heritage have submitted the application on behalf of the applicant.

They say: “The proposal seeks to bring this redundant building back into active use to benefit the local economy, enhance the vibrancy of the streetscene and restore the Listed Building.

“Use as offices and restoration to its former single dwelling use are not a viable option, therefore sub-division is necessary.”

The former North Yorkshire Law building was once a mariner’s house. Picture: Ceri Oakes

However, members of Whitby Town Council’s planning committee recommended it be refused due to concerns about the small size of the flats, balconies over Baxtergate and the fire escape in flat six being in the kitchen.

Coun Elizabeth Mulheren said: “If there was a fire, how would I get out, especially as it is on the top floor.”

There were also concerns about more holiday lets being created in an already saturated market.

Coun Fiona Shackleton added: “We do have to encourage people onto Baxtergate but it is worrying there is more holiday accommodation coming into Whitby.

“I work in the holiday industry and it is completely over-saturated. If people come saying they want to buy a property for a holiday let we are saying ‘buy a property that is already a holiday property’ and don’t turn it into one.

“We can’t have more holiday accommodation without plans coming in for change of use.”

23/23a Baxtergate was built in the late 18th century as a mariner’s house. By 1840 it was being used a solicitor’s office with use as a coroner also being recorded. An archived letter from 1905 suggests it was used as a drug store but went on to again be a solicitor’s office.

North Yorkshire Council will decide on the application. Picture: Ceri Oakes

North Yorkshire Law closed in 2021. The following year permission was granted to convert the building into a single dwelling, but it was never implemented.

The town council’s planning committee recommended the application be refused but the decision on plans to convert 23/23a Baxtergate will be taken by North Yorkshire Council.

On Monday night, Whitby Town Council also considered, and were in favour, of the following applications.

Application to discharge a condition at land off Sandpiper Place, Whitby; vary condition on appearance of two storey rear extension at 44 Derwent Road, Whitby; new entrance door at ground floor level at The Old Coach Stable, 7 Black Horse Yard Church Street, Whitby; installation of non-illuminated wall-mounted hanging sign at 6 Grape Lane, Whitby; construction of cat slide dormer window at 33 High Street, Ruswarp; rear extension and garage conversion with glazed link at 2 Sea View Close, Whitby; portable cabin club house for Whitby Coastal Rowing Club at Coates Marine Ltd, Whitby Marina Boatyard, Langborne Road, Whitby; replacement/refurbishment of existing signage at Vision Express, 3-4 Wellington Road, Whitby; repairs to roof at 6 Royal Crescent, Whitby; replacement of existing windows and external doors with timber double glazed units, repair to render on rear elevation and reinstatement of a previously blocked side window at 7 Ellerby Lane, Whitby;

Whitby Anchor