Planning in Richmondshire

Supporting Community, Cultural and Recreation Assets

1. Support will be given to proposals that help create, protect, retain or enhance community, cultural and recreational assets (land and/or buildings) that: a. improve access to assets by non-car modes of transport b. improve assets c. provide additional assets d. retain assets where there is scarcity e. improve community well-being f. improve the safety and accessibility of assets g. improve the mix of uses in a development which encourage social interaction h. promote the role of settlements in the Settlement Hierarchy. 2. Proposals involving the loss or alternative development of existing community, cultural and recreational assets will only be supported where there is evidence that: a. the asset is no longer required and is redundant b. it is no longer, or cannot be made, viable c. satisfactory alternative provision can be made that outweighs the loss d. the proposal is for a new community, cultural or recreational asset, the need for which outweighs the loss and has the support of the wider community. 3. All new development will be expected to: a. plan positively to ensure the provision and integration of sufficient quality community, cultural and recreational assets for existing and future occupiers and recreational facilities, including formal and informal, equipped and unequipped areas for open space, sport and recreation and links to Public Rights of Way b. make provision, or contribute towards the provision, of new or enhanced assets to meet identified needs of new development or expanded communities; and locate buildings and land for new community, cultural and recreation assets where they will be well served by public transport and accessible by walking and cycling. 4. Applications involving a loss or change of use of assets (and particularly those identified in a Register of Community Assets) and applications for new development generating additional needs and demands will be required to be accompanied by an assessment of provision and need.

Promoting High Quality Design

High quality design of both buildings and landscaping is a priority in all development proposals. Support will be given for proposals that: a. provide a visually attractive, functional, accessible and low maintenance development b. respect and enhance the local context and its special qualities, including its design features, landscape, social activities, historic environment and nationally and locally recognised designations c. optimise the potential of the site d. minimise the use of scarce resources e. adopt sustainable construction principles f. facilitate access through sustainable forms of transport g. secure improvements to public spaces and incorporate public art, where appropriate. Design of all developments (including transport schemes) must take account of the need to promote safe living environments and reduce the opportunities for crime and the fear of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. A balance should be made to limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and areas of nature conservation. Development proposals should be supported by a Design Statement.

Promoting a Sustainable Economy

In order to develop and sustain the economy of Richmondshire, in accordance with Spatial Principle SP5, support will be given to: a. the development of employment activities that diversify the current offer in Richmondshire, and in particular those activities that will provide high quality jobs which can capitalise on and/or enhance the skills of the resident population b. development which promotes the sustainable growth of the key economic sectors within the area, particularly agriculture, food, military, retail, tourism, leisure and equine enterprises c. the development of digital, creative and cultural enterprises d. green, renewable and low carbon industries e. sustaining small and medium sized enterprises, including the development of support services to encourage existing and new business to grow f. the provision of education and training facilities to develop the District's skills base g. strengthening and enhancing the role and performance of Richmond, Catterick Garrison and Leyburn town centres to ensure their continued vitality and viability h. safeguarding the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services i. small scale rural economic development to meet local needs j. the provision of high quality sites and premises suitable for B1 uses in Richmond, Catterick Garrison and Leyburn k. the development of mixed use sites, high quality layouts, landscaping and design l. developing institutional and commercial links with the Tees Valley and the North East m. infrastructure necessary to support economic development, including communications, high speed broadband and transport investment.

Scale and Distribution of Economic Development

sets the overall scale of employment land to be provided in the plan area, together with the approach to key employment areas

Scale and Distribution of Economic Development

Employment development should secure diverse economic improvement within the high quality environment. The Council, its partners and service providers will ensure that 12 hectares of land for employment development, excluding military related needs, are brought forward in the period to 2028 to sustain the economy of the plan area. Major employment development will be encouraged on sites in the Colburn area Support will be given for: • development which enables the consolidation and improvement of the existing employment areas at the following key employment locations: • Colburn • Gallowfields Estate, Richmond • Gatherley Road, Brompton on Swale • Harmby Road, Leyburn • Stables around Middleham • military related development on sites within the Catterick Garrison main site and Marne Barracks • appropriate town centre business and tourism uses • small scale development elsewhere to meet local employment needs The complete loss of existing employment sites will be resisted where suitable alternative locations do not exist. Appropriate economic development opportunities related to the A1 upgraded junctions at Catterick Central, Scotch Corner and Barton will be considered subject to a detailed appraisal of their requirements to link directly with the strategic road network, the feasibility of this link and local conditions that exist in these locations.

Responding to Climate Change

1. Supporting Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Generation The Local Planning Authority will support and encourage the generation of renewable and low carbon energy that: a. responds positively to the opportunities identified in the 'Richmondshire Local Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Capacity Study' (2012) and that study's Energy Opportunities Map b. satisfactorily addresses landscape and visual impacts on visual receptors or landscape character (particularly including cumulative impacts or impacts in the National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty arising from intervisibility) in accordance with the framework set out in 'Managing Landscape Change: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Developments - A Sensitivity Framework of North Yorkshire and York' (2012) c. demonstrates benefits for local communities. 2. Ensuring Carbon Savings In accordance with the energy hierarchy all new development will be expected to make carbon savings by: a. New Development • All new residential development will be expected to exceed the minimum level of the Code for Sustainable Homes or equivalent standards prevailing through Part L of building regulations at the time by achieving the highest level of Code for Sustainable Homes or equivalent standards that is feasible and viable on site • All new residential development of ten dwellings or more and non-residential development of 1000m2 gross external floorspace will be expected to submit an energy statement that shows consideration of opportunities to deliver carbon savings in excess of Building Regulation requirements and to demonstrate that carbon savings have been maximised by incorporating these opportunities into design. Where greater carbon savings could be achieved through coordination and linking of infrastructure with neighbouring sites, this should be applied and demonstrated • All new development of ten dwellings or more and non-residential development with a gross external floorspace of 1000m2 which, pending its detailed definition in the Delivering Development Plan, is well related to the strategic direction of growth indicated in Figure 8, for Catterick Garrison and Figure 11, for Leyburn, will be required to demonstrate reasonable endeavours will be undertaken to actively contribute towards the development of a district heating network including: • Establishing a new network onsite • Connecting to existing networks if/where available • Designing development to enable future connection b. Where carbon saving requirements are not feasible or viable on-site, the Council will coordinate and accept contributions towards 'allowable solutions', or similar, to provide cost effective carbon reduction and benefit communities elsewhere in the District. 3. Climate Change Adaptation All new development will be expected to be adaptable to climate change in terms of both its location and the specific design and layout of buildings and associated external spaces. Development proposals should: a. Demonstrate how their design, orientation, materials and construction will minimise mechanical cooling needs and risk of overheating b. Demonstrate how green infrastructure will be incorporated, including tree planting, green roofs and walls, and soft landscaping, where possible c. Be steered away from

Achieving Sustainable Development

1. Support will be given for sustainable development which promotes: a. the efficient use of land and infrastructure including developments with a sustainable and complementary mix of uses b. the conservation of scarce resources and reduction of their use, and encouragement of the use and re-use of sustainable resources c. the health, economic and social well-being, amenity and safety of the population d. a reduction in social inequalities and disadvantages within the community e. the quality of natural resources including water, air, land and biodiversity and minimises the impacts of airborne pollution f. the protection of the best and most versatile agricultural land g. the natural drainage of surface water mitigating the effects of flash flooding of rivers, drains and drought h. the vitality of the area i. a high quality and adaptability of development j. the character and quality of local landscapes and the wider countryside k. the distinctiveness, character, townscape and setting of settlements l. the historic, environmental and cultural features of acknowledged importance m. the provision of essential services to the public n. the reduction of waste, the promotion of recycling and the provision of suitable and accessible sites which foster sustainable waste management. 2. Development proposals will be encouraged to re-use or adapt existing buildings. Where this is not practicable or is shown to be a less sustainable solution, proposals should seek to reuse existing materials, where possible. 3. Development will be encouraged to utilise previously developed land first (brownfield land), where that land is in a sustainable location and is not of high environmental value, in preference to greenfield sites. The use and development of land will be assessed against the community's housing, economic and social requirements. The sustainability and enhancement of the natural and built environment, minimisation of energy consumption and the need to travel will also be key factors. Development that would significantly harm the natural or built environment, or that would generate a significant adverse traffic impact, without appropriate mitigation, will not be permitted. 4. Development Proposals will be expected to provide an appropriate risk assessment and remediation strategy that addresses any issues of land contamination or land instability arising from past uses or activities. Where relevant non-mineral development is proposed within Mineral Safeguarding Areas defined by the mineral planning authority, the local planning authority will expect consideration to be afforded to the extraction of the mineral resource prior to development. 5. Development and the provision of services should, as far as possible, be located so as to minimise the need to travel. Convenient access via foot, cycle and public transport should exist or be provided, where possible, encouraging the use of these modes of travel for local journeys and reducing the need to travel by private car and improving the accessibility of services to all. Transport schemes that lead to improvements in accessibility will be supported. The potential for more sustainable means of transport related to the uses and users of the development must be addressed. This includes the preparation of travel plans and consideration of the scope to utilise local sourcing of materials and supply chains. The use of locally reclaimed, and the re-use of more sustainable, building materials will be supported where appropriate, where this does not harm the character and appearance of historic and environmental assets.

Achieving Rural Sustainability

1. Support will be given to the social and economic needs of rural areas lying beyond Spatial Principle SP2 settlements, by encouraging: a. small scale housing developments in or adjacent to smaller villages b. expansion of rural businesses c. re-use of suitable rural buildings for housing, tourism and employment generating uses supporting Spatial Principles SP3 and SP5 d. provision of live-work units in smaller villages or by conversion of traditional rural buildings e. diversification of the agricultural economy f. tourism related initiatives g. recreation uses appropriate to a rural location h. small scale renewable energy projects and businesses to serve the industry i. arts and crafts based industries j. technological developments needed to facilitate employment development in rural areas k. improvement of public transport services. 2. Development will be supported where: a. it is necessary to meet the needs of farming, forestry, recreation, infrastructure including water and sewerage, burial grounds, national defence training, tourism and other enterprises with an essential requirement to locate in a smaller village or the countryside b. it is necessary to secure a significant improvement to the environment or the conservation of a heritage asset c. it would provide community facilities which meet a local need d. it would make provision for renewable energy generation, of a scale and design appropriate to its location e. it would support the social and economic regeneration of rural areas f. it would re-use existing rural buildings without substantial alteration, extension or reconstruction g. it would involve extensions to buildings (excluding dwellings converted from rural buildings) where the scale and design complements the character of the main building h. it would involve replacement buildings (excluding dwellings converted from rural buildings) of a similar scale and appropriate design which would achieve a more sustainable development than by conversion. 3. In all cases, development should respond to climate change and be designed to be sustainable, consistent with the requirements of Core Policies CP2 and CP3; should not conflict with landscape character, amenity, environmental protection or nature conservation policies of the plan

Achieving Sustainable Development

Core Policy CP3 seeks to bring together a number of the main ways, and primary considerations, which need to be taken into account in securing development which is sustainable. It addresses basic factors and considerations relating to location, transport and a

Spatial Principle SP3: Rural Sustainability

Priority will be given to supporting the rural sustainability of the whole plan area, protecting and enhancing its environmental assets and character, and sustaining the social and economic fabric of its communities, by promoting: a sustainable rural economy social and economic regeneration conservation or improvement of the rural environment appropriate rural housing schemes to achieve sustainable communities the appropriate reuse of redundant buildings renewable energy generation and associated technologies.

Conserving and Enhancing Environmental and Historic Assets

Development or other initiatives will be supported where they conserve and enhance the significance of the plan area's natural and man-made, designated or undesignated assets. Development will not be supported which: a. has a detrimental impact upon the significance of a natural or man-made asset b. is inconsistent with the principles of an asset's proper management. Environmental Assets Where avoidance of adverse impacts is not possible, necessary mitigation must be provided to address any potential harmful implications of development. Where adequate mitigation measures are not possible, compensatory measures will be required. This approach will apply to specific assets as follows: a. within the Nidderdale and the North Pennines Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which cover parts of East Witton and Muker Parishes respectively, priority will be given to the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the landscape b. the landscape character of the plan area will be maintained, enhanced and, where appropriate, restored to ensure a sustainable future for the natural and historic environment c. the biodiversity and geodiversity of the plan area will be maintained, enhanced and, where appropriate, restored to ensure a sustainable future for the natural environment in support of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Biodiversity Strategy, the North Yorkshire Biodiversity Action Plan, the Richmondshire Biodiversity Action Plan and the Humber River Basin Management Plan. Particular support will be given to initiatives to improve the natural environment where it is poor and lacking in diversity d. the green infrastructure network of the plan area will be protected and, where appropriate, enhanced to provide a high quality, accessible, diverse and well-connected network of green space to meet the needs of the community, businesses and visitors. The key green infrastructure network includes: i. playing fields, outdoor sports facilities, play parks and amenity green space ii. the Coast to Coast walk and views from it iii. corridors of green space, recreation areas and trees which flow through urban areas (particularly Catterick Garrison and Leyburn) iv. the gap between the settlements of Leyburn and Harmby, and the agricultural countryside between Colburn Town, Colburn Village and Hipswell v. village greens and common land vi. allotments, cemeteries, churchyards and civic spaces vii. woodlands, scrubland, grassland, wetland, running water, wasteland, open land and parks and gardens, river banks, cycleways and the Public Rights of Way network viii. sites important for biodiversity and geodiversity referred to at Paragraph 4.12.12. Historic Assets 1. Those elements which contribute to the significance of the heritage assets across the Plan area will be conserved and, where appropriate, enhanced. Particular attention will be paid to those assets referred to in Paragraph 4.12.16 which make a particularly important contribution to the character and sense of place of Richmondshire. 2. Where a proposal is likely to result in harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset and there are compelling reasons for allowing that development, opportunities will be sought to offset this harm by ensuring that other elements which contribute to the significance of that particular asset are enhanced or their significance better revealed. 3. Consideration of development proposals will also need to take into account the objective of securing the long term existence of the heritage asset. This is particularly the case for those assets which have been identified as being at risk. Enabling development may be considered acceptable in the particular location (site or buildings), where all other alternatives have been explored, and the development or use proposed is the only practical means of securing the future conservation of a heritage asset.

Providing a Housing Mix

Proposals for housing must take account of the local housing requirements across all sectors of the community in terms of size, type and tenure, and also the accessibility and adaptability of dwellings.

Providing Affordable Housing

The Council will work with private developers and registered providers to achieve the following targets for affordable housing in all developments with a net gain in dwellings, subject to economic viability assessment: Central Richmondshire and Lower Wensleydale ...................................... 40% North Richmondshire Sub Area ........................................................... 30% In general, the affordable housing contribution will be met on site. Commuted sums in lieu of on-site provision will be considered where some or all of the contribution would not provide for a complete home. Commuted sums may be considered where they enable the Council to achieve greater affordable housing benefits than on-site. The affordable housing contribution will be waived on small scale schemes whose purpose is to meet a proven local affordable housing need. Where the contribution is waived the dwellings must remain affordable in perpetuity. The contribution will be payable should the dwellings be sold on the open market. Small scale Local Needs Housing Schemes may be permitted on suitable sites where development would not normally be permitted. These schemes must meet a proven local affordable housing need and the dwellings must remain affordable in perpetuity. Their suitability for development will be assessed through Core Policy CP4 1b - 3e. The Council may accept an element of on-site market housing to help subsidise the delivery of the affordable homes.

Spatial Principle SP2: Settlement Hierarchy

A settlement hierarchy is defined to organise development and service provision in the plan area and improve links between the settlements in the hierarchy, particularly by public transport The levels of the hierarchy are: Principal Towns: Richmond and Catterick Garrison Acting in a complementary manner to constitute the main focus in the plan area for housing, employment, shopping, leisure, education, health and cultural activities and facilities. Local Service Centre: Leyburn Serving the needs of its surrounding sub area, in particular providing appropriate levels of market and affordable housing, job opportunities and assisting in achieving long term economic and social sustainability. Primary Service Villages With key services to supplement those provided in the towns to help meet the needs of the dispersed rural communities. Central Richmondshire: Brompton on Swale, Catterick Village and Scorton Lower Wensleydale: Middleham North Richmondshire: Barton, Melsonby and Middleton Tyas Secondary Service Villages Settlements with fewer services that support the needs and sustainability of rural communities. Lower Wensleydale: Finghall-Harmby-Spennithorne and Hunton North Richmondshire: Aldbrough-Caldwell-Eppleby, Dalton-Newsham-Ravensworth, Gilling West and North Cowton

Scale and Distribution of Housing

sets the total scale of open market and military related housing to be provided in the plan area, together with proportions for each sub area and each level in the settlement hierarchy

Scale and Distribution of Housing Development

The Council, housing providers and service providers will together seek to achieve the completion of 180 homes per year for general housing needs over the whole plan area to 2028. The additional dwellings will be distributed between the sub areas and settlement hierarchy as follows: Sub Area distribution (Spatial Principle SP1) Central Richmondshire ........................ 79% Lower Wensleydale ............................. 12% North Richmondshire .......................... 9% Settlement Hierarchy (Spatial Principle SP2) Catterick Garrison ...............................62% Richmond ...........................................8% Leyburn ...............................................7% Primary Service Villages ........................13% Secondary Service Villages ...................5% Elsewhere in the plan area....................5% Provision is also made for the development of up to 500 homes for military service families' accommodation at the Catterick Garrison main military site by 2028, if required, and will be additional to the general housing requirement in Catterick Garrison. Additional Gypsy and Traveller accommodation requirements will be met through Core Policy CP4.4.

Providing and Delivering Infrastructure

The Council will work with statutory undertakers, utility companies and other agencies to develop an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) for the Local Plan Core Strategy so as to ensure delivery of adequate infrastructure to serve development and support the local economy. Any adverse impacts arising from new infrastructure should be minimised. Decisions on the provision of infrastructure should be taken on the basis of environmental sustainability as well as cost. Development should provide, or enable the provision of, the infrastructure made necessary by that development. Where it cannot be provided directly, developer contributions will be required to meet the reasonable costs of the provision of new infrastructure made necessary by the development. These requirements will be identified and detailed in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) and contributions will be calculated through the associated Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule. All infrastructure improvements and investments should be delivered by development, or through developer contributions, in a timely manner and to the required adoptable standards as specified by the relevant responsible organisation or authority.

Planning Positively

When considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the plan area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in Neighbourhood Plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise - taking into account whether: • any adverse impacts of granting planning permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework, taken as a whole • specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Developing Tourism

Tourist related activities will be encouraged where they make a sustainable contribution to the local economy, do not have a detrimental impact on and, where possible, enhance the local environment and landscape. Particular priority will be given to supporting improvements to the range and quality of facilities and to redevelopment and conversion schemes rather than new building. Medium to large scale hotel accommodation within the larger settlements of the settlement hierarchy such as Richmond, Catterick Garrison and Leyburn will be supported where a need is identified and such a proposal does not adversely affect the character and appearance of the settlement. In rural areas, new tourist accommodation, including the location of caravans (static and touring), chalet accommodation and camp sites, should be small scale, low key and low impact, and will only be supported in the countryside if it does not adversely affect the character and appearance of the area, taking account of the capacity of the site and local area to absorb the development.

Supporting Sites for Development

Development or activities of a scale and nature appropriate to secure the sustainability of each settlement in the hierarchy defined in Spatial Principle SP2 and elsewhere through Spatial Principle SP3 will be supported taking account of the following: 1. Proposals should reflect and deliver: a. the strategy for the future development of the plan area, in particular in terms of the scale and distribution of development defined in the Core Strategy b. an effective response to Climate Change in accordance with Core Policy CP2 and sustainable development in accordance with Core Policy CP3, and consistent with national planning policy relating to the achievement of sustainable development and communities c. the settlement or location specific guidance contained in the Sub Area Strategies and supplementary guidance d. development which provides for the social and economic needs of the local community e. development that is proportionate to the existing settlement size and local service provision f. the expressed preferences of the local community about the type, form and location of development in each settlement, advanced through Neighbourhood Planning processes g. any future planning policy documents, including masterplans concerning detailed matters relating to the layout, design or other aspects of the development. 2. The location of any development proposal should be: a. consistent with the Delivering Development Plan or revised Local Plan land availability policies once published. Pending the Delivering Development Plan or revisions to Local Plan land availability policies, development proposals should be in, or if deliverable opportunities do not exist within, adjacent to the settlement's Development Limits as defined on the Local Plan 1999-2006 Proposals Map or main built up confines where they do not exist b. in all cases: i. accessible and well related to existing facilities ii. within the capacity of existing infrastructure, or it can be demonstrated that necessary additional infrastructure will be provided. 3. Development should be consistent with the requirements of Core Policies, and should not: a. impact adversely on the character of the settlement or its setting, important open spaces and views; designated and undesignated heritage assets and the character of the landscape b. lead to the loss of, or adverse impact on, or cause deterioration of important nature conservation, water bodies or biodiversity or geodiversity sites c. result in the unacceptable loss of locally important open spaces or community facilities d. be located in areas of flood risk or contribute to flood risk elsewhere e. cause significant adverse impact on amenity or highway safety. 4. Provision will be made for travelling groups at the existing site of Lime Kiln Wood at Catterick Village. Where required, proposals for additional Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling showpeople sites, should satisfy the requirements of all policies contained within the Local Plan Core Strategy, where applicable, and be consistent with national policy for travellers sites, in particular they should: a. not dominate but should respect the scale and form of the existing settlement b. be well related and in proportion to accessible local service provision, including schools and healthcare, reducing the need to travel as well as avoiding undue pressure on local infrastructure and services c. provide for the social and economic needs of the local community, appropriate to provide a safe and healthy environment for residents and encouraging a peaceful and integrated co-existence with the local community d. positively enhance the environment and increase its openness through well planned landscaping which should avoid isolating the site from the rest of the community e. consider the effect of the local environmental quality including noise and air quality on the health and wellbeing of travellers resulting from existing neighbouring and future proposed development uses. 5. Proposals for new traveller site development in the open countryside away from existing settlements will be strictly limited.

Central Richmondshire Spatial Strategy

Support will be given for: 1. Development which strengthens and sustains Richmond within its significant environmental and infrastructure constraints and is: a. Sympathetic town centre development of commercial, retail, cultural, leisure and tourism uses at an appropriate scale, form and location which protects and enhances: i. its role as Principal Town and historical centre of Richmondshire ii. the town centre offer and its vitality and viability iii. the provision of services and facilities which can be shared with Catterick Garrison iv. the high quality physical environment v. the key views of the town and its setting vi. sustainable transport connections between the two centres of Richmond and the Garrison Area. b. Small scale, high quality, new housing development in sustainable locations, which protects and enhances: i. the unique historical heritage of the town ii. the exceptional high quality landscape setting of the town iii. the key views of the town and its setting iv. other significant environmental assets, including archaeology and nature conservation designations. c. Employment development at Gallowfields Trading Estate, which: i. promotes an appropriate range of non-town centre uses complementary to Richmond town centre ii. secures improvements in the stock and condition of existing premises and the visual amenity of the site as a whole iii. encourages reduced heavy goods vehicle movements iv. protects and enhances the setting and views of the unique historical heritage of the town, its landscape setting and other significant environmental assets including archaeology and nature conservation designations v. limits further expansion to land to the north east of Racecourse Road. d. The development of sustainable and accessible brownfield sites within the town will be encouraged in preference to edge of settlement sites. e. Development will not be allowed where infrastructure constraints cannot be satisfactorily addressed by the proposed development, including highways and drainage in Richmond. 2. Development which supports the strategic growth of Catterick Garrison and helps to create a diverse and cohesive town of urban villages set within a strong green infrastructure setting, including: a. Town centre development, including the provision of major comparison goods retailing, in the location indicated in Figure 9, which: i. creates a balanced and thriving town centre with excellent services and facilities ii. protects and enhances the vitality and viability of the Catterick Garrison town centre and its Principal Town role iii. provides for District and local retail needs iv. enables the provision of services and facilities which can be shared with Richmond v. integrates with local communities vi. provides the required transportation infrastructure and improves sustainable transport connections with neighbouring communities and between the two centres of Richmond and Catterick Garrison vii. provides high quality development and public realm. b. High quality new housing and employment development, which pending the Delivering Development Plan, is well related to the strategic direction of growth indicated in Figure 9, and: i. encourages existing vacant and previously developed sites in the built-up area, south east from Catterick Garrison town centre first, subject to the demonstrable availability and deliverability of sites ii. enhances the distinctive identities of Hipswell, Scotton and Colburn iii. promotes a neighbourhood centre in Colburn iv. protects and enhances the green infrastructure of the area v. incorporates low carbon and renewable energy design, integrated with existing and planned development informed by the Local Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Capacity Study vi. provides the required improvements to the A6136 phased with the delivery of new development as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan vii. provides improved accessibility for public transport and non-motorised users within the built-up area, particularly between the new development, town centre and social and recreational facilities viii. enhances the existing employment areas in Colburn ix. supports integration of military and non military communities x. enables the operation of existing or future military units and provides for military personnel and their families at Catterick Garrison main site. 3. Development in the Primary Service Villages of Brompton on Swale, Catterick Village and Scorton which: a. maintains and enhances the Primary Service Village roles of these three villages b. facilitates the continued development of the Gatherley Road residential area and its integration with Brompton on Swale c. consolidates and enhances the Gatherley Road employment area particularly for general industry and logistics, reflecting its location in relation to the A1 and the growth areas of the plan and secures improvement

Lower Wensleydale Spatial Strategy

Local Service Centre - Leyburn: support will be given to maintaining the vitality and viability of the town centre, through encouragement of further appropriate retail, business and tourism uses, environmental and infrastructure improvements, and developments associated with the expansion of the evening economy support will be given to Leyburn's role as a gateway settlement to the Yorkshire Dales the scale and location of further housing and employment development in the town will reflect its role in the sub area, including serving the Yorkshire Dales National Park the preferred direction of strategic growth for housing is in the area to the north and north west of the town development should incorporate low carbon and renewable energy design integrated with existing and planned development informed by the Local Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Capacity Study for the plan area the preference for new development is on existing vacant and previously developed sites in the built-up area the separation of Leyburn from the nearby settlement of Harmby will be maintained support will be given to mixed use development but the complete loss of existing employment sites will be resisted retention and enhancement of the auction market will be encouraged, reflecting the importance of the facility to the town support will be given to tourism and operational developments associated with the operation of the Wensleydale Railway development of arts and workshop space for creative industries and provision of further cultural facilities will be encouraged Primary Service Village - Middleham: support will be given to the Primary Service Village role of Middleham, although environmental constraints suggest that there is limited potential for additional development beyond its existing built confines support will be given to developments and infrastructure related to tourism and the horse racing industry, including priority towards the retention of existing facilities, within the settlement and in the surrounding area Secondary Service Villages - Harmby - Spennithorne - Finghall (cluster) and Hunton: small scale and limited development may be acceptable in these Secondary Service Villages where it supports the social and economic needs and sustainability of the local community Elsewhere in the rural parts of the sub area, sustainable development in accordance with Spatial Principle SP3 will be supported, particularly development which reflects the sub area's role as an entry point and provides for the needs of the adjacent part of Richmondshire in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Spatial Principle SP1: Sub Areas

Within the plan area, a different strategic approach will be taken for each of the following three broad sub areas: Central Richmondshire is the area of greatest growth, reflecting the location of the main towns of Richmond and Catterick Garrison, the scope for development and the scale of existing facilities and infrastructure. This is the area where most housing and employment related development will take place. Lower Wensleydale is an area of modest growth, reflecting the location of Leyburn within the sub area, which has a substantial capability to support its rural hinterland. The scale of development in this sub area will also reflect its role in supporting and providing for the needs of the adjacent part of Richmondshire which lies within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. North Richmondshire is an area of more modest growth, reflecting its largely rural nature, the limited services available within its settlements and the need to resist development pressures from and support the regeneration of neighbouring Tees Valley settlements particularly Darlington. The strategy in this area will be to limit the scale of new housing development, in order to resist further in-migration from these adjacent parts, and decrease pressures for cross-boundary commuting.

Supporting Town and Local Centres

1. Retail Network and Hierarchy: Principal Towns - Serving the District Richmond - has an important retail, commercial and tourism role serving the District with opportunities for growth whilst limited by environmental and heritage constraints. Support will be given to development that: a. maintains and enhances the existing role of the centre b. broadens the range of retail offer including improvements to existing convenience goods provision c. improves sustainable transport connections and car parking d. delivers environmental improvements e. makes the town centre more accessible, attractive and safe f. supports the evening economy and leisure role of the town centre. Catterick Garrison Centre - has an important role in meeting the District's retail and leisure needs. The area offers significant opportunities for expansion in the provision of town centre uses. Support will be given to development that: g. enhances the District's hotel, leisure and retail offer and enables the accommodation of large format retailers h. improves transport infrastructure, sustainable transport links, pedestrian routes i. delivers environmental improvements. Local Service Centre - Serving a wide rural catchment Leyburn - has an important role in supporting a large rural catchment including part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, providing a wide range of retail and commercial uses, and has a strong independent retail offer. Support will be given to development that: j. maintains and enhances the existing range of services and retail offer k. improves sustainable transport connections and parking provision l. delivers environmental improvements. 2. Support will be given to maintaining and enhancing the vitality and viability of the town centres of Richmond, Catterick Garrison and Leyburn (defined in Figures 14, 15 and 16). a. Proposals which help create, protect, retain or enhance retail and other main town centre uses within these centres will be supported where: i. development is of a scale appropriate to the role of these centres, provided that development respects the character of the environment, including any special architectural and historic interest and assists in maintaining and/or enhancing its existing function ii. for developments over 500m², it is demonstrated that they will not adversely impact on the role, vitality and viability of the District's town centres or on existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or centres in the catchment area of the proposal. b. Proposals involving the loss of retail uses (A1) within the primary shopping frontages of the town centres (defined in Figures 15, 16 and 17) will only be supported where there is evidence that: i. the use is no longer required and is redundant ii. it is no longer, or cannot be made viable iii. satisfactory alternative provision can be made that outweighs the loss iv. the loss will not adversely impact upon the vitality and viability of the centre. 3. Support will be given for retail and town centre developments of more than 500m² outside of town centres where: a. there are no suitable, viable and available sites firstly within, then on the edge of, the existing town centre b. an impact assessment has demonstrated that proposals will not have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the District's town centres, or on existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or centres in the catchment area of the proposal c. it would be accessible by a choice of means of transport, and the local transport system is capable of accommodating the potential traffic implications. 4. Support will be given for proposals for small scale retail development outside town centres where: a. these serve residential neighbourhoods b. development is below 500m² and is of a scale appropriate to the function of the settlement and where the development provides for the most sustainable option in villages or other locations that are remote from local services and would support the rural economy.