Planning reforms ‘unclear’, says North Yorkshire County Council

Government plans to reform the planning system have been described as “unclear” by North Yorkshire County Council.

The council is set to respond to a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on sweeping changes to “streamline and modernise” the planning system.

Harrogate Borough Council’s response to the reforms last week said the changes would “erode local democracy”.

Now county council officials have said the proposals are unclear and lack detail, but added some ideas were “intriguing”.

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A report prepared for the county council’s business and environmental services meeting on Friday says the current planning system is “not completely broken”.

It adds the government white paper Planning for the Future “sets out a range of intriguing ideas, but is short on detail”. It adds:

“It does not address all aspects of planning, choosing instead to focus heavily on processes related to housing, speed and efficiency. 

“It is worth noting that the current planning system is not completely broken. In recent years, North Yorkshire local planning authorities have had a good track record in consenting new homes in line with plan targets, and good progress has been made on working towards comprehensive up to date local plan coverage.”

‘Tear it down and start again’

The white paper suggests local authorities could develop local plans by zoning land into three categories: “growth”, “renewal” or “protection”.

Other suggestions include digitalising the planning system, allowing more permitted development applications, replacing section 106 payments with a new system for developers and giving government the final say on how many homes should be built in an area.

In the foreword to the white paper, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was critical of the current planning system.

He said:

“Thanks to our planning system, we have nowhere near enough homes in the right places. People cannot afford to move to where their talents can be matched with opportunity. Businesses cannot afford to grow and create jobs.

“The whole thing is beginning to crumble and the time has come to do what too many have for too long lacked the courage to do – tear it down and start again.”

York to back county council’s single authority plan

City of York Council is set to support North Yorkshire County Council’s plan for a single council in the county ahead of a devolution bid.

Authority leaders in York said there is “no logical reason” for it to merge into a western council, as outlined in district leaders’ plan for two councils in the east and west of North Yorkshire.

At a press briefing, Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat leader of City of York Council, said the authority will submit proposals to government to remain as a unitary authority and effectively support the county council’s model.

That would see a single authority created for North Yorkshire, alongside the City of York Council, and the seven district councils scrapped – including Harrogate Borough.

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Senior councillors at City of York Council are expected to back the proposal at an executive meeting on October 22, before the proposal goes to full council later this month.

Cllr Aspden said:

“Following consultation, we believe proposals that cause as little disruption as possible to allow City of York Council to concentrate on recovery at this critical time is the right way forward. 

“For this reason, the best way to support strong recovery, secure devolution quickly, and support the Levelling-Up agenda in York and North Yorkshire, is with City of York continuing as a unitary authority.  Any other model of local government would fail to effectively represent York’s history, communities and the unique characteristics of the city.

“York’s unique character, beautiful heritage and strong history is recognised across the world. Protecting our identity, whilst keeping costs low and minimising service disruption for our residents, is of paramount importance for our future long term prosperity.  

“Ultimately, any decision that affects York’s residents, businesses and communities, should be made in York.”

Cllr Carl Les, leader of the county council, said:

“We have been very clear from the beginning that we believe a new single council, bringing together the best of the county and seven district councils, presents the best possible opportunity for everyone in North Yorkshire. 

“In preparing our proposal for government, we have and continue, to listen very carefully to a broad range of partners, groups, organisations, individuals and businesses over many weeks.

“We believe it is crucial to retain the identity of North Yorkshire and to offer every single person here the best possible chances in life and the same high quality services and support, regardless of where they live in the county.

“Our proposal also protects the unique identity of the City of York, which is already served by an established unitary council.”

It comes as Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for local government, invited councils across North Yorkshire to submit plans for reorganisation.

Councils have until December 9 to submit final proposals for the new-look local government structure.

The government said it would aim for any unitary council plan to be implemented by April 2023.

Police appeal after four caravans stolen in Coneythorpe

Police have launched an appeal after four caravans were stolen in Coneythorpe overnight.

The four Swift caravans were taken from a premises in the area between 6.30pm on October 7 and 6.30am the following day.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information that may assist with the investigation.

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Describing the thieves’ actions after breaking in, a North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“Once there, they have removed locks, alarms and trackers from four Swift caravans and caused extensive damage to a fifth, before driving off over a field back onto the road.

“Police are appealing for any information that could assist in this investigation – for example, if any vehicles were seen in the area, and any footage from CCTV in nearby villages.

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for PC528 Pierre Olesqui. You can also email pierre.olesqui@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200176598.

Covid infections rise sharply in Harrogate district

A further 58 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Harrogate district, the highest daily increase in over a week.

It takes the total number of cases since the pandemic started to 1,558, according to Public Health England figures.

The figure is the highest daily increase since October 5 when 67 cases were confirmed. However, this was put down to an IT error which left thousands of cases across England unreported.

The number of deaths in care homes from coronavirus in the district has also increased. 

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According to Office for National Statistics data, one death was recorded in the week to October 10 taking the total to 112.

However, no covid deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital since September 29.

Harrogate has the highest rate of infections in the seven districts in North Yorkshire.

Latest weekly figures showed 154 cases per 100,000 people in the district. This compares with 151 in Selby, 147 in Craven and 138 in Hambleton. Richmondshire recorded 104, Scarborough had 94 and Ryedale 89.

Building work on a new full-time covid testing site in Harrogate, in the Dragon Road car park, began today. It is due to open next week.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons this week the government would consider a district-by-district approach to its new tier system.

Meanwhile, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health for North Yorkshire, said the main cause of spread of coronavirus in the county was between households.

He said he supported the new tier system as it would help to tackle the spread in the county.

Dr Sargeant added that there were “very few instances” of infection in hospitality.

Police consider ‘covid cars’ as part of enforcement

North Yorkshire Police may introduce “covid cars” to respond to complaints about breaches of coronavirus rules.

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire police, fire and crime commissioner, said today the move was being considered after her office received £291,897 from the government last week for covid enforcement.

The proposal would see police officers assigned specifically to respond to complaints from the public, such as licenced premises breaking coronavirus restrictions.

Ms Mulligan told a meeting of the police, fire and crime panel that other plans being considered included greater use of overtime and additional patrols in covid hot spots.

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The force will submit final proposals to the Home Office as part of the funding allocation.

Mrs Mulligan said covid cars would respond to calls from members of the public around covid concerns, particularly about licensing regime and problem premises.

Julia Mulligan, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire

She said:

“For example, where residents have concerns about the way that they are behaving. Cars can be deployed to those sorts of things.

“It is a discreet amount of funding for a specific purposes. It isn’t additional funding for the force to cope with the whole of covid.”

It comes as Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for police response to covid, said the force had seen demand return to pre-covid levels.

North Yorkshire Police has issued the highest amount of fines for breaches of coronavirus rules. But the force has not handed out any fines for face masks or breaches of the rule of six,

Under coronavirus legislation, police have the power to issue £60 fixed penalty notices to anyone breaching restrictions. The sum is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Superintendent Walker told North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum yesterday:

“What is important to remember is, as I have said before, the demand for normal police services has returned to pre-lockdown levels.

“Previously when we were in full lockdown, we had much more resources to be out and reassuring the public and enforcing the health protection regulations.

“With demand going back to what it is now, clearly we have to risk assess every report that comes in whether it is normal police demand or if it is covid related demand.”

Harrogate covid group ‘still here to help’, says co-founder

A Harrogate social media group which gained thousands of followers at the start of lockdown “is still here for people”, says its co-founder.

Covid Co-Operation, a Facebook group founded in March, has more than 10,000 members helping to support people in the district throughout the crisis.

When it was set up, the group focused mainly on those who were vulnerable and needed to self-isolate by giving advice and support.

It also raised thousands of pounds for local charities as part of a crowdfunding appeal, with causes such as Harrogate Foodbank, IDAS and Hear to Help among those to benefit.

Now, nearly seven months into the pandemic, Susie Little, co-founder of the group, has said the group is operating differently.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“In hindsight, when you look back there was a significant amount of panic.

“I think it was a different level of panic, people did not really know what to do or where to turn.

“People were going into isolation and had not thought about how they were going to do their shopping.”

Susie says the group changed when restrictions relaxed over summer.

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Most posts are now about the daily figures and keeping people informed of the situation in the district.

Susie said:

“I’m starting to use the group as a means of getting figures over every day because the government stopped doing the daily conferences.

“I do get the feeling that people value the fact that any information that we have on our group is verified.”

Currently, Harrogate has the highest weekly case rate in the county with 116 per 100,000 people up to October 10.

But North Yorkshire has been placed in the lowest category in the government’s tier system this week, which means no additional restrictions will be imposed.

For Susie, the pandemic has been the most “significant event for a generation” and she says the group will continue to be there for people who need help or support as the crisis develops.

“We are still here, people should not hesitate to ask for help if they need it.”

North Yorkshire devolution: what happens now?

The ball is now rolling for a shake-up of local government in North Yorkshire.

Last week, Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, began the process by inviting councils to submit plans for a new-look local authority model.

It would see the current two-tier system, which is made up of North Yorkshire County Council and seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, scrapped and replaced with either one or two unitary authorities.

The process also opens the door for an elected mayor.

Former local government minister, Simon Clarke, made reorganisation a requirement ahead of any devolution bid.

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However, the government has yet to publish its white paper outlining plans for further devolution in England. The paper is expected to be revealed next year.

Following Mr Jenrick’s invitation, Cllr Keane Duncan, leader of Ryedale District Council, tweeted that it was “game on”.

The district councils and the county council have different views on how the new structure should look.

The county council wants a single council alongside the City of York; the district councils want two councils — one in the east and another in the west.

But how does the process work and when will we see a new local government system in the county?

What next?

Now both camps have been invited to submit plans, the government will choose its preferred option and consult with the public, councils and other public bodies on that model.

The government has asked for outline plans to be submitted by November 9, with a full proposal no later than December 9.

Once the minister has received all the responses, he will decide whether to set up a new authority. This would require legislation.

Councils would not get a vote on the new authority – the process would be handled by Parliament.

The government has said it intends to establish any unitary council plan by April 2023.

New Harrogate site will test 300 people a day

Harrogate’s new covid testing site will have the capacity to test up to 320 people a day, officials revealed today.

The full-time site in the Dragon Road car park is set to open next week and will operate seven days a week from 8am until 8pm.

Victoria Turner, public health consultant at North Yorkshire County Council, told a North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum press briefing today the site will have the capacity to test eight people at once.

She added the site would be able to conduct between 280 and 320 tests per day.

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People will be able to turn up on foot, unlike at the mobile testing centres. However, tests must still be booked in advance.

The forum, which is a partnership of agencies that tackle the pandemic, successfully made the case for permanent testing sites in Harrogate and Scarborough to the Department of Health and Social Care.

The Stray Ferret asked the DHSC how much the site cost to build but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Latest Public Health England figures show a further 27 cases were confirmed in the Harrogate district in the last 24 hours. It takes the total amount of cases since the start of the pandemic to 1,500.

A total of 137 cases were confirmed across North Yorkshire today.

The Harrogate district has the highest weekly case rate of the seven district councils in North Yorkshire, with 116 per 100,000 people up to October 10.

North Yorkshire was placed in the lowest category of the government’s new three tier local lockdown system this week.

‘Very few’ covid infections in North Yorkshire pubs

Pubs and restaurants have been responsible for hardly any covid outbreaks in North Yorkshire, according to the county’s public health director.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant said there had been “very few instances” of coronavirus spreading between customers in the hospitality sector.

He also said schools and workplaces had been responsible for few transmissions. The main source of spread, he said, was households.

Speaking today at a press briefing of North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which is a partnership of agencies that tackle emergencies, Dr Sargeant said:

“We have had very, very few instances of pubs where there has been outbreaks and spread to customers. It has largely been staff members that we have picked up.

“The predominant spread in North Yorkshire is between households.

“Our school heads and the teams supporting them have done a brilliant job of keeping schools safe from spread of covid. We are in contact with our care homes on a daily basis.”

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Harrogate has the highest weekly rate of infection of the seven districts in North Yorkshire, with 116 cases per 100,000 people. It also has the highest cumulative number of cases, which stands at 1,473, mainly because of its size.

Dr Sargeant said this could partly be due to the district’s high number of care homes.

North Yorkshire is currently classed in the lowest of the three tiers that were introduced this week, which means it continues to follow only national measures, such as the rule of six and 10pm curfew.

But neighbouring West Yorkshire is in the second tier, which bans different households mixing and socialising indoors.

This has led to fears some people may decide to cross the border into North Yorkshire if pub closures are imposed in West Yorkshire.

Superintendent Mike Walker, gold command for North Yorkshire Police’s response to covid, said the force would be prepared to police those coming into the county.

He said:

“We will just have to see what the impact is of other areas being in the higher tiers and what impact it will have on us.

“It is the minority who decide to throw caution to the wind and breach those restrictions. Absolutely, we will be ready to deal with those individuals.”

Some northern mayors, such as Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, have criticised the government for a lack of consultation.

But Richard Webb, director of adult care at the county council, said it had been well consulted by the UK government:

“We are in constant conversation with different arms of government and there is no one single point of government.

“I can only speak from our own experience. We have been involved in discussions all along the way and that feels quite productive and helpful. We are in a national emergency so things will move at quite a quick pace and in that situation you can’t necessarily consult with everyone.”

Have your say on cuts to children’s services

North Yorkshire County Council is to open a consultation on revised plans for children’s health services, which face cuts.

The council’s executive agreed yesterday that the consultation on its healthy child programme, which supports 130,000 young people aged 0-19 in the county and their families, will begin on October 26.

As part of national cuts to public health funding, the authority now needs to save £750,000 over three years on the service.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health at the council, told the meeting:

“In an ideal world with adequate funding we would not have to make radical changes to our services.

“What we are proposing here for the healthy child programme is part and parcel of a whole series of service transformations that we have had to do across all public health services in response to cuts to the public health grant.

“We have prioritised the 0 to 5 years old elements. We think that is really key for children and families with a new child.”

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Councillors will consider the plans again after the 10-week consultation ends.

A report prepared for the executive meeting said:

“The proposed programme will not be able to provide the level of service that it currently provides to school aged children. Some services provided in school settings will stop, including hearing and vision screening for children aged 4-5 years and sexual health services drop-ins in schools.”

Currently children receive five in-person check-ups to the age of five. Under the new proposals three of these could be done virtually.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, which delivers the programme in partnership with the council, would be awarded a 10-year contract if the plans go ahead.

Harrogate councillor Geoff Webber, who is the opposition Liberal Democrats leader on the council, criticised government cuts for forcing the council to reduce its services. 

He said:

“It is disgraceful the government have chosen this time to reduce public health spending in North Yorkshire by £4 million over the next few years.

“I am sure that members of all parties will support the effort to maintain the healthy child service and we look forward to seeing the result of the public consultation.”