Southern Parish Forum

1. Jim Bailey welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Apologies
3. Notes of the meeting held on 19 October 2023 were agreed.
4. Historic Environment – Miles Johnson gave an illustrated talk on the historic environment of the North York Moors. A copy of the presentation is available on the website.
5. Design Code – Paul Fellows gave an illustrated talk on the consultation on the Design Code details of which will be sent to Parish Councils for their views on how the Design Code will look and function, as this will be used in considering planning applications and hoped that this will not stifle design and be too prescriptive. The consultation will be on the website with video clips about villages on YouTube to give ideas and show the uniqueness of each village.
6. Ranger Update – Ben Jackson gave an illustrated talk on the recent work done by the South Ranger team. Highlighting the Forge Valley boardwalk repairs which are still ongoing, much of the work done by the apprentices. A member of the forum wondered if S106 funding from the Woodsmith Mine would be available to help with Forge Valley. The landslip at Ravenscar/Stoupe Bank on the Cleveland Way is being rectified by moving the path inland and work is underway.
7. Update on National Park Authority business by Jim Bailey. A printed handout was given to attendees (copies available upon request). A discussion was held on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, changes via secondary legislation strengthening the duty of regard stating that all ‘relevant authorities’ must seek to further the purposes of the Protected Landscapes. A discussion was held on affordable homes for the young, families and the elderly and how to rectify availability – usually landowners offering up affordable land sited on edges of villages (exception sites) but needs community support. Issues of second homes and holiday lets were also discussed. Villages that are split, the planning authorities do liaise with each other if there are any sites available and share a Rural Housing Enabler. The Birds on the Edge Project, in association with the North York Moors Trust, were thanked for their work on the Newton on Rawcliffe pond. Appleton le Moors is hoping to install a pond at the entrance to the village. Farming in Protected Landscapes also have grants for such projects and to contact the National Park for more information.
8. Suggestions for future meetings
   1. Forest and Dale Community Partnership - based around the area of Dalby Forest and includes Parish Councils, two North Yorkshire Council divisions Forestry England and a variety of other local authorities and partners. Building on the work of the Rural Commission and seven key themes of the Rural Commission report. Action: Paddy Chandler to be invited to present on the Forest and Dale Community Partnership.
   2. Older People’s Task Force (part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill) speaker to discuss housing provision for the elderly.
9. AOB - Robert Sword offered Moorland Safaris from Moorland Association members to take place in May/June driven in Landrovers/people trailer by conservation guide/keeper to remote areas to experience wildlife and nature. Flyers handed out with contact details at the meeting.

The following parishes make up the Southern Area Parish Forum:

Allerston and Wilton
Appleton le Moors
Bransdale
Brompton by Sawdon
Cropton
East Ayton
Ebberston and Yedingham
Fadmoor
Farndale East
Farndale West
Gillamoor
Hartoft
Hutton Buscel
Hutton le Hole
Kirkbymoorside
Lastingham
Levisham
Lockton
Newton on Rawcliffe
Pickering
Rosedale East Side
Rosedale West Side
Sinnington
Snainton
Spaunton
Stape
Thornton le Dale
West Ayton
Wykeham