Threat to historic area
From: Jane Houlton, Granville Street, Skipton.
AT the same time that Craven folk and the District Council are celebrating the renewal of the Skipton Business Improvement District project, and welcoming the possible regeneration of the whole station area of Skipton, it is a shame that a threat to the Park Hill area of Skipton is going under the radar.
Many of your readers know the Park Hill area – historic site of a Civil War battery site, route of two long distance footpaths, providing stunning views both to and from the town, and out to the Dales to the north. These green hills close to the heart of the town form for many the inherent beauty and charm of the place.
It was revealed a number of ‘main modifications’ to Craven’s Local Plan had been recommended by the Planning Inspector, and that the consultation has now started.
Many people, including most residents of Craven, will be totally unaware that, among these modifications, at this late stage in the planning process, the whole of the Park Hill area, bounded by Grassington Road, Short Lees Lane, Skipton Woods, and Chapel Hill, is to be deleted as a protected open green space, and will be available for development by the landowners.
If those who object to this loss of an important, historic part of Skipton life and landscape wish to express their view, they must do so within the next six weeks.
Information about the consultation is available at cravendc.gov.uk/planningpolicyconsultations, and also in paper form at the council offices in Belle Vue Square, Skipton, and in Craven libraries.