Views sought to shape priorities for development in rural district

RESIDENTS HAVE until the end of the month to have their say on the first part of a review into a key planning blueprint for Richmondshire.

A declining and ageing population, particularly in rural areas, has been proposed by Richmondshire District Council as a key issue to address as part of the re-drafting of the area’s Local Development Plan.

Other priority issues include securing wider economic and employment benefits from upgrades to major roads, the A1 and A66, providing more affordable housing, and developing a complementary relationship between town centres in Richmond and Catterick Garrison, and Scotch Corner Designer Outlet.

The plan covers towns and villages in the district that lie outside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is being revised in order to give fresh direction over where and what kind of development is acceptable locally up until 2035.

The Government requires local authorities to review their plan at least once every five years.

When the updated plan for Richmondshire is adopted, expected to be in about three years’ time, it will govern how planning applications in the area are assessed by councillors when reaching their decisions on whether to approve or reject specific proposals.

Residents can have their say on the first stage of the new plan during an ‘issues and options’ consultation which runs until October 31. It is a chance to highlight the key issues and opportunities for Richmondshire that the Local Plan should address.

Evidence gathered in the consultation will be used in the preparation of a draft Local Plan and a draft Catterick area masterplan.