Please would you email planning.rye@northyorks.gov.uk, quoting reference “Comments for Planning Application ZE24/00421/73AM” in the email subject line.
We would like them to install the cycle track at the earliest opportunity, but the developer wants to delay it until all the cabins are occupied. Previous concerns have been raised but not addressed and we urgently need more cycle infrastructure for North Yorkshire’s own carbon neutral targets and public physical and mental health. Please add your voices as soon as possible, so public concerns are be heard.
Below you will find the comments that Ryedale Cycle Forum have submitted, please feel free to use, but a simple couple of lines is also fine. You can use the planning portal if you wish, but an email might be easier.
| Comments: | I am commenting on behalf of Paths 4 Everyone and Ryedale Cycle Forum. Reference condition 16. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority, the cycle path shown on approved drawing no. 12-120-7001C shall be constructed, and available for public use no later than 30th June 2017, and thereafter maintained. Reason – In the interests of sustainable development and to satisfy the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework. Proposed change… Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority, the cycle path shown on approved drawing Pickering Showground Layout shall be constructed, and available for public use prior to the occupation of the Touring Caravan Site. There are two key issues that concern me: 1. Planning gain (formerly S106 agreements): Developers should be contributing to local infrastructure that their development creates a need for. In this case an important cycling and pedestrian link from Black Bull and several campsites in the vicinity, through the showfield and on to Pickering, as part of a wider network which should also benefit businesses in town. Naturally, the developer is likely to want to keep customers on the site to spend their money there, assuming they provide shops and other facilities, with no benefit (i.e. planning gain) to the area other than limited local employment on site. 2. Transport, traffic and congestion issues created by the development: To avoid or reverse the trend of new developments catering exclusively for, and promoting the necessary use of motor traffic, there need to be well planned safe active travel facilities. The currently conditioned path needs to reduce car movements once campers have arrived, by promoting active travel as a safe and healthy alternative. As the touring caravan site is the last phase proposed, the developers appear to want the infrastructure to wait until the whole development, and traffic impact, is complete before delivering…. if ever! The developer claims that as soon as the site is occupied, people can travel to Pickering on foot or by cycling along the road. The majority of cyclists (particularly families) would certainly not entertain cycling along the increasingly congested and fast A169 under any circumstances. Neither is the footpath particularly pleasant for the same reason and few people will consider walking a 3 miles round trip unless it’s safe and pleasant. There have been a few significant changes to the NPPF already from the new government, but I’m not sure if this has extended to greater promotion and compulsion of active travel routes yet. As the developer wishes to amend this condition, will it in effect become a new condition, and therefore subject to any new legislation? |
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