Residents in fear of eviction after plans ‘breaches’
FIRST DOCUMENTED in the days of King Henry III, Scarborough’s harbour has become synonymous with the image of a traditional seaside town.
Now, amid the uncertainty of Brexit and its impact on a maritime industry, a 20-year vision for its future is being drawn up to see how the town can capitalise on this famous image.
“Scarborough is a harbour town,” said Coun Mark Vesey, member of Scarborough Council’s harbour task group. “All the history is there, locked in those walls. We once had one of the largest ship-building yards in the country. We built ships that went all over the world, taking convicts to Australia. That all went in the age of steam. This is about a longterm vision about development for the future.”
The taskforce was set up by Scarborough Council in September to draw up a plan around projects, investment and direction. Public meetings are to be held in coming days, with fishermen, professors, specialists in fisheries, conservation and maritime industries.
The harbour houses about 35 fishing vessels, and is visited by 300 more, a report to be considered on Wednesday reveals. It provides 150 jobs in the town. And while it’s difficult to quantify the benefits it brings to the area’s wider economy, the report recognises that a visible fishing industry adds to the town’s appeal as a major tourist destination.
The group, drawing up an action plan, is looking at ideas around investments which could secure its future as a working harbour – relatively rare in a modern tourist town – and to improve its surroundings for future income generation.
“We know facilities need investment,” said Coun Vesey. “The harbour is hundreds of years old.”
As well as potential investment in facilities, the task force is looking at ways funding can be generated from the harbour. There’s a waiting list for berths going into years, Coun Vesey said, and there are considerations as to whether this could be expanded. The West Pier, parking in summer, is “empty space” is winter, he said, and there were options around making more of this space. There could be crab stalls or cafes, he adds.
“There’s a lot to look at, to try and balance it all,” he said. “Scarborough harbour is quite unique in the world of fishermen, as a working harbour with tourists visiting as well. We want to keep that heritage, to keep the tourism, and to make money so that it can pay its way in the future. It’s a big challenge.” ABOUT HALF the residents living on a holiday home park in East Yorkshire are facing the potential threat of eviction after an investigation into alleged planning irregularities by East Riding Council.
It is alleged that 18 owners of static caravans at The Sycamores, at Barmby Moor, are living all year round at the park, contrary to planning conditions.
Pocklington Provincial councillor Andy Strangeway assured residents there would be no immediate evictions.
He said he was focussed on ensuring no one ended up “sleeping in a car when they have a warm dwelling to sleep in”.
Coun Strangeway blamed the situation on a lack of affordable housing, adding: “It has created a lot of concern, a lot of fear. We have disabled people, elderly people and on long-term sick.
“There will be considerable financial losses.
“You have people appearing on people’s doorsteps in suits with legal letters suggesting they take legal advice. The man on the street can’t afford £200 an hour. These are human beings.”
Coun Strangeway said some of them were now on the housing list.
A council spokesman said: “Following an investigation by the council’s planning enforcement team, it has been found that a number of property owners at The Sycamores are residing in the units permanently – contrary to the planning conditions for this site which is for holiday use only.
“Those residents have been informed that the council is intending to issue them with a planning enforcement notice to cease, within an appropriate timescale, the permanent occupation of the units. The council has provided details for its housing services to help people on site secure alternative accommodation.”
The owner of the park was approached, but he was unable to comment at this stage.
The enforcement action comes seven years after East Riding Council informed more than 70 park home owners at Lakeminster Park, near Beverley, that they could be in breach of planning conditions.
Repeated legal challenges on behalf of the owner and one of the residents were unsuccessful and nearly all those who were living there have moved out.