Planning in Ryedale

Community Facilities and Services

Provision Proposals for the provision of new community facilities or services will be supported in principle as follows: Malton and Norton; Pickering; Kirkbymoorside; Helmsley - Sites allocated for such uses or as part of a mixed use allocation; expansion and improvement of existing facilities in and outside of Development Limits; provision of new facilities within development limits or outside of Development Limits where the facility is needed and cannot be located within Development Limits or as part of a mixed use allocation Service Villages and other villages - Expansion and improvements to existing facilities in or outside of Development Limits; provision of new facilities - within Development Limits, conversion of existing buildings outside of Development Limits or new provision outside of Development Limits where the facility is needed to serve the local area and could not be provided with Development Limits New or enhanced provision of open space, leisure and recreational facilities will address identified deficiencies set out in Table 3 and be undertaken in line with Local Open Space Standards as set out in Table 4. All new residential development will be expected to contribute to the provision of open space, recreation and leisure facilities. Residential schemes of 15 dwellings or more will be required to include on-site provision of informal amenity space unless it is considered impractical or unfeasible and an off-site contribution is more appropriate. On-site formal children's playspace will be sought on residential sites of 50 dwellings or more. Additional qualitative and quantitative deficiencies will be addressed through on-site provision on larger development sites or through financial contributions to improve existing facilities. Protection Existing local retail, community, cultural, leisure and recreational services and facilities that contribute to the vitality of the towns and villages and the well-being of local communities will be protected from loss/redevelopment unless it can be demonstrated that: there is no longer a need for the facility or suitable and accessible alternatives exist, or that it is no longer economically viable to provide the facility, or Proposals involving replacement facilities provide an equivalent or greater benefit to the community and can be delivered with minimum disruption to provision Access to Services and Facilities The Council and its partners will work to improve access to shared services and facilities by supporting in principle, the reconfiguration and co-location of facilities and premises to improve service delivery.

Design

Development proposals will be expected to create high quality durable places that are accessible, well integrated with their surroundings and which: Reinforce local distinctiveness Provide a well-connected public realm which is accessible and usable by all, safe and easily navigated Protect amenity and promote well-being To reinforce local distinctiveness, the location, siting, form, layout, scale and detailed design of new development should respect the context provided by its surroundings including: Topography and landform that shape the form and structure of settlements in the landscape The structure of towns and villages formed by street patterns, routes, public spaces, rivers and becks. The medieval street patterns and historic cores of Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley are of particular significance and medieval two row villages with back lanes are typical in Ryedale The grain of the settlements, influenced by street blocks, plot sizes, the orientation of buildings, boundaries, spaces between buildings and the density, size and scale of buildings The character and appearance of open space and green spaces including existing Visually Important Undeveloped Areas (VIUAs) or further VIUAs which may be designated in the Local Plan Sites Document or in a Neighbourhood Plan. Development proposals on land designated as a VIUA will only be permitted where the benefits of the development proposed significantly outweigh the loss or damage to the character of the settlement Views, vistas and skylines that are provided and framed by the above and/or influenced by the position of key historic or landmark buildings and structures The type, texture and colour of materials, quality and type of building techniques and elements of architectural detail The design of new development will also be expected to: Incorporate appropriate hard and soft landscaping features to enhance the setting of the development and/or space Contribute to a safe and well connected public realm by respecting and incorporating routes, buildings and views which create local identity and assist orientation and wayfinding; creating public spaces which are safe and easy to use and move through by all members of the community; facilitating access by sustainable modes of travel including public transport, cycling and walking Reduce crime and the fear of crime through the careful design of buildings and spaces Provide, where appropriate, active and interesting public frontages, clearly defined public spaces and secure private spaces Make efficient use of land and to be built at a density which is appropriate to its surrounding context. In general new housing development should not be built below an indicative density of 30 dwellings to the hectare unless this can be justified in terms of the surrounding context Proposals for major development will be expected to include a statement identifying the waste implications of the development and measures taken to minimise and manage waste generated Extensions and alterations to existing buildings will be appropriate and sympathetic to the character and appearance of the host building in terms of scale, form and use of materials and in considering proposals for the alteration, re-use or extension of individual historic buildings the Council will seek to ensure that: A building is capable of conversion to the use proposed without the need for extensions or alterations that would be detrimental to its character Proposed extensions and alterations, considered acceptable in principle, that are of an architectural style which complements the traditional character of the main building Appropriate materials and traditional construction methods and techniques are used

Generic Development Management Issues

Character New development will respect the character and context of the immediate locality and the wider landscape/townscape character in terms of physical features and the type and variety of existing uses Proposed uses and activity will be compatible with the existing ambience of the immediate locality and the surrounding area and with neighbouring land uses and would not prejudice the continued operation of existing neighbouring land uses The cumulative impact of new development on the character of an area will also be considered Design The design of new development will follow the principles established in Policy SP16. Extensions or alterations to existing buildings will be appropriate and sympathetic to the character and appearance of the existing building in terms of scale, form, and use of materials Amenity and Safety New development will not have a material adverse impact on the amenity of present or future occupants, the users or occupants of neighbouring land and buildings or the wider community by virtue of its design, use, location and proximity to neighbouring land uses. Impacts on amenity can include, for example, noise, dust, odour, light flicker, loss of privacy or natural daylight or be an overbearing presence Developers will be expected to apply the highest standards outlined in the World Health Organisation, British Standards and wider international and national standards relating to noise New development proposals which will result in an unacceptable risk to human life, health and safety or unacceptable risk to property will be resisted. Developers will be expected to address the risks/potential risks posed by contamination and/or unstable land in accordance with recognised national and international standards and guidance All sensitive receptors will be protected from land and other contamination. Developers will be expected to assess the risks/ potential risks posed by contamination in accordance with recognised national and international standards and guidance Access, Parking and Servicing Access to and movement within the site by vehicles, cycles and pedestrians would not have a detrimental impact on road safety, traffic movement or the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Information will be required in terms of the positioning and treatment of accesses and circulation routes, including how these relate to surrounding footpaths and roads Access into and within buildings will be expected to be of a standard that allows all to access the building unimpeded Development will be expected to comply with the relevant standards in place at the time a planning application is made to the Local Planning Authority. A Travel Plan may be required to set out how the use of the building can be made more sustainable by reducing the need to travel by private car Where applicable, proposals will need to demonstrate the inclusion of safe and effective vehicular servicing arrangements

Delivery and Distribution of Employment/Industrial Land and Premises

Delivery New land and buildings for employment will be supported from the following sources in the following locations: Malton and Norton; Pickering; Kirkbymoorside; Helmsley Employment land allocations; conversion of existing buildings for employment purposes; expansion land/sites for major employers/established businesses Service Villages and other Villages Small-scale sites in and adjacent to Development Limits (coming forward as 'windfall' development); conversion of buildings within and outside of Development Limits for employment uses and rural diversification; expansion land/sites for major employers/established businesses Wider Open Countryside Expansion land for existing major employers/established businesses; small scale conversion of existing buildings or provision of new buildings to support appropriate rural economic activity in line with the provisions of Policy SP9 The Council will ensure that a sufficient supply of land is available for employment purposes providing range and choice over the Plan Period. This will be achieved by: • Allocating 37ha of net* additional employment land to meet the needs of the District in the Local Plan Sites Document and Helmsley Plan. The release of allocations will be phased to ensure a flexible rolling supply of employment land necessary for the specific needs of the District, including the diversification of the local and regional economy • Allocating a further 8ha of net* additional employment land in the Local Plan Sites Document and Helmsley Plan for a further supply of employment land be released if required during the life of the Plan • Sites that form the District's core supply of employment land (existing employment sites and employment allocations made through the Local Plan Sites Document and Helmsley Plan) will be protected as employment sites and their change of use to non-employment uses resisted. These sites are listed in Table 1 below. The change of use of other land and buildings in current employment use will also be resisted where it is considered that they contribute to the sustainability of the local economy Distribution On this basis, new employment land allocations will be distributed as follows: Location Level of provision Pattern and spread of sites Malton and Norton Approx 29.6ha to 36ha (80%) Sites within, adjacent to and on the outskirts of the built up areas of the towns Pickering Approx. 5.55ha to 6.75ha (15%) As above Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley Approx 1.85-2.25ha (5%) As above Land for employment uses will provide a portfolio of sites and premises offering a range and choice of accommodation in appropriate locations. The intention is to support established sectors in the local economy and provide opportunities for diversification which over the Plan Period, will enable a step change in business growth, improved skills and a more sustainable local economy. This will include the provision of higher quality employment sites and premises which: • Are capable of supporting the sub-regional economy for science based businesses, including expansion of existing sites and the provision of a new Science and Technology Business Park at Malton and Norton. • Offer opportunities for specialist sectors including precision engineering and advanced manufacturing and existing key businesses. This will include: expansion space for existing businesses, new sites and premises for move on accommodation to support business growth and growing these key clusters. • Are able to provide accommodation for small businesses, supporting the high business formation rate in Ryedale. This will include incubator space, new managed workspace, small business units and live-work space. Proposals for new employment development and in particular Use Classes B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution) uses on unallocated sites, will be supported in line with the sources table set out above and which: • Are of an appropriate scale to their surroundings having regard to their visual impact • Are capable of achieving suitable highway and access arrangements commensurate with the nature of their use, without an unacceptable impact • Satisfy the provisions of Policies SP12, SP17 and SP18

The Land-Based and Rural Economy

Ryedale's land-based economy will be sustained and diversified with support for: New buildings that are necessary to support land-based activity and a working countryside, including for farming, forestry and equine purposes Replacement dwellings for land management activity if no other existing available buildings suitable or capable of conversion Replacement of non-traditional general-purpose storage buildings to support farming, forestry or equine related activity Conversion of traditional buildings for tourism or residential uses (subject to the occupancy conditions set out in Policy SP21) Conversion of existing buildings and provision of new buildings to support appropriate small-scale rural economic activity in line with Policy SP6 Appropriate farm and rural diversification activity including innovative approaches Local food production and sales. Farm shops which will meet a demand for local produce and which contribute to the local economy will be supported where they do not adversely affect easily accessible convenience shopping. Appropriate new uses for land including flood management and energy production related research and education in this field Small-scale extraction of local building stone and limited aggregate provision* And indirectly by supporting: The retention of a livestock market within Ryedale on a site which is convenient to users, well related to the main road network and in a location which is close to a Market Town but will not harm its character, landscape setting or the amenities of nearby residents Local weekday and Saturday markets, farmer's markets and events Proposals or actions that would assist in utilising and retaining traditional rural skills including land and woodland management, farming, conservation, local traditional building techniques *To be determined by the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan (North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council and North York Moors National Park Authority)

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

Developments that generate renewable and/or low carbon sources of energy will be supported providing that individually and cumulatively proposals: • Can be satisfactorily assimilated into the landscape or built environment, especially in respect of the setting of the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (and its setting), the Wolds and the Vale of Pickering; • Would not impact adversely on the local community, economy, or historical interests, unless their impact can be acceptably mitigated; • Would not have an adverse impact on nature conservation, in particular in relation to any sites of international biodiversity importance, unless their impact can be acceptably mitigated; • Would not have an adverse impact on air quality, soil and water resources in Policy SP17, unless their impact can be acceptably mitigated. In the absence of major opportunities for large-scale renewable and low carbon energy generation, new development is expected to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and improving building sustainability through the following: • All new development will demonstrate that all levels of the Energy Hierarchy have been considered, taking into account the nature, scale and location of the development. The Local Planning Authority will take into account the feasibility and viability issues associated with the delivery of decentralised renewable and low carbon energy. Where it is not feasible or viable to provide on-site renewable/low carbon energy, or within the locality, consideration will be given to Allowable Solutions in line with agreed national definitions. • For all new build residential development, the proposal demonstrates that it meets the highest 'Code for Sustainable Homes' standard (or its successor) that is feasible and viable on the site. • For major (1000 sq metres or more of floor space) non-residential development, the proposal demonstrates that it meets the highest BREEAM standard (or its successor) that is feasible and viable for that type of development on the site proposed. • The Local Plan Sites Document will seek to establish site-specific targets using sustainable building standards and identify opportunities for the use of particular technologies (such as combined heat and power (CHP) and district heating schemes) for sites allocated, subject to feasibility and viability.

Landscapes

The quality, character and value of Ryedale's diverse landscapes will be protected and enhanced by: Encouraging new development and land management practises which reinforce the distinctive elements of landscape character within the District's broad landscape character areas of: North York Moors and Cleveland Hills Vale of Pickering Yorkshire Wolds Howardian Hills Vale of York Protecting the special qualities, scenic and natural beauty of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the setting of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the setting of the North York Moors National Park. Landscape Character Development proposals should contribute to the protection and enhancement of distinctive elements of landscape character that are the result of historical and cultural influences, natural features and aesthetic qualities including: The distribution and form of settlements and buildings in their landscape setting The character of individual settlements, including building styles and materials The pattern and presence of distinctive landscape features and natural elements (including field boundaries, woodland, habitat types, landforms, topography and watercourses) Visually sensitive skylines, hill and valley sides The ambience of the area, including nocturnal character, level and type of activity and tranquillity, sense of enclosure/exposure The Council will work with landowners and statutory agencies to encourage land management practises that will protect and reinforce landscape character across the District and proposals which seek to restore areas of degraded landscape or individual landscape elements will be supported. National Landscape Designations and Locally Valued Landscapes The natural beauty and special qualities of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be conserved and enhanced and the impact of proposals on the AONB, its setting or the setting of the North York Moors National Park will be carefully considered. Proposals will be supported where they: Do not detract from the natural beauty and special qualities of these nationally protected landscapes or their settings Seek to facilitate the delivery of the Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan Objectives Are considered appropriate for the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area or are desirable to support the understanding and enjoyment of the area The District Council and Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee will resist development proposals or land management practises that would have an adverse impact on the natural beauty and special qualities of the AONB unless it can be demonstrated that the benefits of the proposal clearly outweigh any adverse impact and the proposal cannot be located elsewhere in a less damaging location. Major development proposals within the AONB that would result in a significant adverse impact on the natural beauty and special qualities of the AONB will be considered within the context provided by national policy and only allowed in exceptional circumstances. Outside of those landscapes protected by national landscapes designations, the Council will carefully consider the impact of development proposals on the following broad areas of landscape which are valued locally: The Wolds Area of High Landscape Value The Fringe of the Moors Area of High Landscape Value The Vale of Pickering The Yorkshire Wolds and Fringe of the Moors are valued locally for their natural beauty and scenic qualities. As well as protecting the distinctive elements of landscape character in each of these areas, there are particular visual sensitivities given their topography and resulting long distance skyline views.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity in Ryedale will be conserved, restored and enhanced by: • Co-ordinated and targeted activity by public, private, voluntary and charitable organisations to support the implementation of the Yorkshire and Humber Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plan; the Ryedale Biodiversity Action Plan and the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan • Providing support and advice to landowners to encourage land management practises that support the objectives, priorities and targets of these plans and strategies • Minimising the fragmentation of habitats and maximising opportunities for the restoration and enhancement of habitats and improving connectivity between habitats through the management of development and by working in partnership with landowners and land managers • Maintaining, creating and improving ecological networks and Green Infrastructure routes to assist the resilience of habitats and species in the face of climate change • Supporting, in principle, proposals for development that aim to conserve or enhance biodiversity and geodiversity through the prevention of loss of habitat or species and the incorporation of beneficial biodiversity features • Requiring a net gain in biodiversity to be provided as part of new development schemes • Resisting development proposals that would result in significant loss or harm to biodiversity in Ryedale • Encouraging the use of native and locally characteristic species in landscaping schemes Investment in the conservation, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity in Ryedale will be targeted at – • The landscape-scale projects identified in the Yorkshire and Humber Biodiversity Delivery Plan which are wholly or partially within Ryedale: Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Western North York Moors Belt; North York Moors Grassland Fringe; Vale of Pickering; West Wolds; Lower Derwent Valley; Yorkshire Peatlands • The habitats and species identified in the Ryedale Biodiversity Action Plan including those habitats which are particularly distinctive in the following areas: Ancient woodland in the Howardian Hills; Species rich grassland, a traditional feature of strip fields around Ryedale's villages; Marsh wetland in the Vale of Pickering; Fen meadows in the Howardian Hills; Floodplain swamps in the Derwent Floodplain and streamside swamps in the Howardian Hills and Wolds; Chalk grassland on the Wolds; Acid grassland at the foot of the Wolds; southern edge of the Vale of Pickering and Howardian Hills; Limestone grassland in the Howardian Hills; Ponds in the Vale of Pickering and at Flaxton; Dry wooded valleys along the Fringe of the Moors; Wet woodland in the Vales of Pickering and York; the Howardian Hills; Wood pasture and Parkland associated with large country houses; Heathland remnants in the Howardian Hills and southern Ryedale In considering proposals for development – Proposals which would have an adverse effect on any site or species protected under international or national legislation will be considered in the context of the statutory protection which is afforded to them. Proposals for development which would result in loss or significant harm to: • Habitats or species included in the Ryedale Biodiversity Action Plan and priority species and habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan • Local Sites of Nature Conservation Importance or Sites of Geodiversity Importance Other types of Ancient Woodland and Ancient/Veteran Trees will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there is a need for the development in that location and that the benefit of the development outweighs the loss and harm. Where loss and harm cannot be prevented or adequately mitigated, compensation for the loss/harm will be sought. Applications for planning permission will be refused where significant harm cannot be prevented, adequately mitigated against or compensated for. Loss or harm to other nature conservation features should be avoided or mitigated. Compensation will be sought for the loss or damage to other nature conservation features which would result from the development proposed. Protected sites, including internationally and nationally protected sites and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation are identified on the adopted Proposals Map.

Green Infrastructure Networks

A network of green open spaces and natural features will be created and managed across Ryedale to support biodiversity and environmental systems to enhance the attractiveness of places and to support healthy lifestyles by providing opportunities for activity and relaxation. This will be achieved by: Protecting and enhancing the quality and integrity of the following corridors and areas of Green Infrastructure Networks considered of Regional or Sub-Regional significance within Ryedale: The North York Moors National Park The Howardian Hills River Derwent River Rye Yorkshire Wolds and Gypsey Race The Cleveland Way Five Dales descending from the North York Moors And by protecting, enhancing, creating and connecting wider elements of Green Infrastructure including: Protecting and enhancing: Public Rights of Way and Open Access Land and where practicable securing multi-user access Informal open spaces, allotments, street trees, hedgerows, stream corridors and beck sides, woodlands, formal public open spaces, recreational and play space Biodiversity, wildlife corridors and buffer zones necessary to support these features or areas The quality and usability of public open spaces Creating: Improved access to existing public open spaces and to land along river corridors New open spaces, sport and play spaces, allotments and outdoor sports sites in areas of deficiency New habitats which reflect the locally distinctive habitat types included in Policy SP14 Improving connectivity by creating links between: Publicly accessible open spaces and green spaces within built up areas to key destination points such as town centres and schools Towns, villages and the wider countryside beyond Habitats to support the resilience of biodiversity A Green Infrastructure Strategy will be prepared to co-ordinate the aspirations, actions, activity and investment of relevant agencies and local communities and to support the multi functional use of green assets where uses are compatible. New development will be managed in accordance with wider policies in this Plan, to assist the protection and improvement of Green Infrastructure assets and the connectivity between them. New development which would result in irreparable fragmentation of connections between green spaces will be resisted.

Managing Air Quality, Land and Water Resources

Land resources will be protected and improved by: Supporting new uses for land which is contaminated or degraded where an appropriate scheme of remediation and restoration is agreed and in place Prioritising the use of previously developed land and protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land from irreversible loss. New land allocations will be planned to avoid and minimise the loss of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land. Proposals for major development coming forward on sites that are not allocated for development which would result in the loss of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that the use proposed cannot be located elsewhere and that the need for the development outweighs the loss of the resource Flood risk will be managed by: Requiring the use of sustainable drainage systems and techniques, where technically feasible, to promote groundwater recharge and reduce flood risk. Development proposals will be expected to attenuate surface water run off to the rates recommended in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. In addition, major development proposals within areas highlighted as having critical drainage problems in the North East Yorkshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (or future updates) as Critical Drainage Areas may, if appropriate, be required to demonstrate that the development will not exacerbate existing problems by modelling impact on the wider drainage system Ensuring new development does not prevent access to water courses for the maintenance of flood defences Undertaking a risk based sequential approach to the allocation of land for new development and in the consideration of development proposals in order to guide new development to areas with the lowest probability of flooding, whilst taking account of the need to regenerate vacant and previously developed sites within the towns. In considering development proposals or the allocation of land, full account will be taken of the flood risk vulnerability of proposed uses and the national 'Exception Test' will be applied if required Water resources will be managed by: Supporting the water efficient design of new development and requiring developers to demonstrate how development proposals will seek to minimise water consumption Ensuring applications for new development assess impacts on water quality and propose mitigation measures to reduce the risk of pollution and a deterioration of water quality Protecting surface and groundwater from potentially polluting development and activity. Sources of groundwater protection within and adjacent to the District will be protected using the Source Protection Zones (SPZs) identified by the Environment Agency. Within SPZ1 the following types of development will not be permitted unless adequate safeguards against possible contamination can be agreed: Septic tanks, waste water treatment works, storage tanks containing hydrocarbons or any chemicals or underground storage tanks; Sustainable drainage systems with infiltration to ground Oil pipelines Storm water overflows and below ground attenuation tanks Activities which involve the disposal of liquid waste to land Graveyards and cemeteries Other specific types of development identified within the Environment Agency's Groundwater Protection Policy Within Source Protection Zones 2 and 3 a risk based approach will be applied to the consideration of development proposals with the exception of development involving deep soakaways, sewerage, trade and storm effluent to ground which will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that these are necessary, are the only option available and where adequate safeguards against possible contamination can be agreed. Within Source Protection Zones developers will be expected to provide full details of the proposed construction of new buildings and construction techniques, including foundation design as part of their proposals. Ensuring that necessary sewerage and water treatment infrastructure improvements are provided in tandem with new development and that scale, type, location and phasing of new development or land-based activity can be accommodated without an unacceptable impact on water supply Air Quality will be protected and improved by: Locating and managing development to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution and promote the use of alternative forms of travel to the private car Supporting measures to encourage non-car based means of travel or the use of low emission vehicles Reducing air quality emissions from buildings through renewable energy provision and sustainable building standards in line with Policy SP18 Requiring development proposals within or adjoining the Malton Air Quality Management Area to demonstrate how effects on air quality will be mitigated and further human exposure to poor air quality reduced. All development proposals within or near to the Air Quality Management Area which are likely to impact upon air quality; which are sensitive to poor air quality or which would conflict with any Air Quality Action Plan will be accompanied by an Air Quality Assessment Only permitting development if the individual or cumulative impact on air quality is acceptable and appropriate mitigation measures are secured

Heritage

Distinctive elements of Ryedale's historic environment will be conserved and where appropriate, enhanced. The potential of heritage assets to contribute towards the economy, tourism, education and community identity will be exploited including: • The nationally significant prehistoric archaeological landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of Pickering • The individual and distinctive character and appearance of Ryedale's Market Towns and villages • Large country houses and associated estates and estate villages, with Castle Howard being of international importance • The unique distribution of Saxon churches on the fringe of the Vale of Pickering and the North York Moors, including Kirkdale and Stonegrave Minsters • Victorian churches throughout the Yorkshire Wolds • Medieval features including relatively large numbers of deserted medieval villages, moated manorial sites and granges, such as Kirkham Priory and notable castle sites, including Sheriff Hutton and Bossall Hall, Pickering and Helmsley • The network of historic field systems across the District and in particular, the historic field patterns around Pickering and other settlements on the northern side of the Vale of Pickering • The Roman Derventio site at Malton To assist in protecting the District's historic assets and features, the Council will: • Encourage the sensitive re-use and adaptation of historic buildings and will, where appropriate, support flexible solutions to the re-use of those historic buildings identified as at risk where this would remove a building from English Heritage's At Risk Register or local records of buildings at risk. • Seek to ensure the sensitive expansion, growth and land use change in and around the Market Towns and villages, safeguarding elements of the historic character and value within their built up areas, including Visually Important Undeveloped Areas, as well as surrounding historic landscape character and setting of individual settlements • Consider ways in which planning obligations can be used in conjunction with the allocation of sites at the Service Villages in the Vale of Pickering to secure increased protection, management and/or understanding of archaeological assets • Work with North Yorkshire County Highways, Town and Parish Councils to provide highway improvements and street furniture that are appropriate to the historic context of individual towns and villages • Work with partners and landowners to encourage sensitive land management in the Vale of Pickering and the Wolds • Work with and support local estates to identify appropriate ways in which to manage their historic landscapes, features and buildings • Support, in principle, the small scale extraction of local building stone that would enable the repair and restoration of high grade or recognised heritage assets and features • Work with local communities to identify local features of historic interest and value for example through Parish Plans and Village Design Statements • Support new development proposals aimed at educating and raising awareness of Ryedale's historic environment Designated historic assets and their settings, including Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Scheduled Monuments and Registered Parks and Gardens will be conserved and where appropriate, enhanced. Development proposals which would result in substantial harm to or total loss of the significance of a designated heritage asset or to the archaeological significance of the Vale of Pickering will be resisted unless wholly exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. Proposals which would result in less substantial harm will only be agreed where the public benefit of the proposal is considered to outweigh the harm and the extent of harm to the asset. In considering and negotiating development proposals, the Council will seek to protect other features of local historic value and interest throughout Ryedale having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset. Proposals for Enabling Development necessary to secure the future of a heritage asset which would be otherwise contrary to the policies of this Plan or contrary to national policy will be carefully assessed against the policy statement and guidance provided by English Heritage - Enabling Development and the Conservation of Significant Places. In addition to the criteria embodied within the national statement, in considering the extent to which the benefit of an Enabling Development proposal outweighs a departure from this Plan or national policy, the following local criteria will also be used to inform the decision making process – • The Enabling Development proposed can be accommodated without material harm to the character of the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and landscapes identified as being of local value • Enabling Development proposed at or within villages is well related to their form, character and landscape setting • In cases where there is a need to secure the future of multiple heritage assets within a single ownership, that Enabling Development proposals are: • Based upon an up-to-date conservation management plan for the assets in their ownership aligned with an up to date business plan • Prioritised to address the needs of those assets identified as being at greatest risk unless it can be demonstrated and agreed that the Enabling Development proposal secures the future of a significant asset in conjunction with income generating development that would in turn, support a reduction in conservation deficit • Affordable housing contributions will be negotiated as part of residential Enabling Development schemes on sites which would trigger the application of Policy SP3. Consideration will be given to varying the form of contributions sought through Policy SP3 so as not to prejudice the heritage benefits of the Enabling Development proposal

General Location of Development and Settlement Hierarchy

Ryedale's future development requirements will be distributed and accommodated in line with the Spatial Strategy Summary and on the basis of the following hierarchy of settlements: Principal Town - Primary Focus for Growth • Malton and Norton (including Old Malton*) Local Service Centres (Market Towns) – Secondary Focus for Growth • Pickering • Kirkbymoorside • Helmsley Local Service Centres (Service Villages)- Tertiary Focus for Growth • Amotherby and Swinton • Ampleforth • Beadlam and Nawton • Hovingham • Rillington • Sherburn • Sheriff Hutton • Slingsby • Staxton and Willerby • Thornton le Dale If a formal review of housing land supply triggers a requirement for further development sites, the search for sites may include additional settlements which, at the time are found to contain: • a school • a convenience store or food shop which offers basic food for the preparation of a meal • a reasonable daily bus service which would enable residents to access employment facilities, shops and community and educational facilities at higher order settlements In allocating and releasing development sites at the above locations: • the use of deliverable and developable Brownfield land will be prioritised and • development will be guided to areas with lowest flood risk, taking account of the vulnerability of types of development and the need to achieve sustainable development and in accordance with the requirements of the Government's latest flooding guidance Additionally as part of the site selection process, the Local Planning Authority have regard to the deliverability and developability of sites and their ability to: • deliver against the Objectives and Policies of the Plan, policy standards and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) requirements • support access on foot to centrally located shops, services and facilities • be compatible with neighbouring land uses • avoid adverse impacts on interests of acknowledged importance • be accommodated without detriment to the character of the settlement and its setting • satisfactorily address highway capacity and safety In all other villages, hamlets and in the open countryside development will be restricted to that: • which is necessary to support a sustainable, vibrant and healthy rural economy and communities, or • which can be justified in order to secure significant improvements to the environment or conservation of significant heritage assets in accordance with the National Enabling Development Policy and Policy SP12 of this Plan, or • which is justified through the Neighbourhood Planning process Development Limits and Town Centre Commercial Limits Development Limits and Town Centre Commercial Limits are as defined on the adopted Proposals Map. The York Green Belt That part of the York Green Belt falling within the Plan area is as defined on the adopted Proposals Map. Proposals for development within the Green Belt will be considered against national policy. Neighbourhood Plans Neighbourhood Plans which align with the Settlement Hierarchy will be supported. Where neighbourhoods wish to plan for higher levels of development at the Principal Town or other Local Service Centres these will be supported where: • this is reflective of the settlement's role within the Settlement Hierarchy • existing or improved infrastructure is capable of being provided to support additional levels of growth • sufficient land is available to ensure growth aspirations can be delivered • the Neighbourhood Plan would not prejudice the ability of other settlements to deliver their strategic requirements

Delivery and Distribution of new housing

The delivery of at least 3000 (net) new homes will be managed over the period 2012-2027. The sources of new housing that will contribute to the supply of new homes across the District are as follows: Malton and Norton - Housing Land Allocations in and adjacent to the built up area - Conversion and redevelopment of Previously Developed Land and buildings within Development Limits - Replacement dwellings - Sub-division of existing dwellings - Infill development (small open sites in an otherwise continually built up frontage) - 100% Rural Exception Sites outside of and on the edge of Development Limits in line with Policy SP3 - Change of use of tourist accommodation (not including caravans, cabins or chalets) where appropriate Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley, Service Villages - As above - 100% Rural Exception Sites outside of and on the edge of Development Limits in line with Policy SP3 - Change of use of tourist accommodation (not including caravans, cabins or chalets) where appropriate Other Villages - Infill development (small open sites in an otherwise continually built up frontage) restricted to Local Needs Occupancy - Replacement dwellings - Sub-division of existing dwellings - Conversion and Redevelopment of Previously Developed Land and buildings within Development Limits, restricted to Local Needs Occupancy - 100% Rural Exception Sites outside and on the edge of Development Limits in line with Policy SP3 - Change of use of tourist accommodation (not including caravans, cabins or chalets) where appropriate and restricted to local needs occupancy Wider Open Countryside - New build dwellings necessary to support the land-based economy where an essential need for residential development in that location can be justified - Conversion of redundant or disused traditional rural buildings and where this would lead to an enhancement to the immediate setting for Local Needs Occupancy - Change of use of tourist accommodation (not including caravans, cabins or chalets) where appropriate and restricted to Local Needs Occupancy - Replacement dwellings New housing land allocations will be distributed in accordance with the table below and will be made having taken account of the outstanding commitments at each location at the point at which the Local Plan Sites Document is prepared. Location: Malton and Norton - Level of provision (approx) 1500 (50%) - Pattern and distribution of site allocations: Sites within the current Development Limits, Small - Medium - Large extension sites around the towns and within the A64 boundary at Malton, Avoiding coalescence with Old Malton Location: Pickering - Level of provision (approx) 750 (25%) - Pattern and distribution of site allocations: Sites within current Development Limits, Extension sites around the towns of varying sizes, Avoiding coalescence with Middleton Location: Kirkbymoorside - Level of provision (approx) 300 (10%) - Pattern and distribution of site allocations: Sites within current Development Limits, Small-medium sized sites predominantly to the north of the A170 and to the east and west of the town avoiding coalescence with Keldholme Location: Helmsley - Level of provision (approx) 150 (5%) - Pattern and distribution of site allocations: Small - medium sized extension sites Location: Service Villages - Level of provision (approx) 300 (10%) - Pattern and distribution of site allocations: Limited small - scale sites in or adjacent to current Development Limits. Sites to be distributed as far as possible, amongst all villages in the category A supply of deliverable sites sufficient to provide five years worth of housing against planned annual housing requirements of 200 homes per annum will be identified and maintained with an additional supply of 20% moved forward from later in the Plan Period. The release of allocated sites will be managed in conjunction with other sources of supply to ensure the continuous delivery of 200 homes per annum. Completions arising from across the Plan area which exceed the planned build target of 200 dwellings per annum by up to 25% will not be deducted from the 3,000 homes to be provided. The managed release of sites will also take account of: - The extent to which the Housing Trajectory illustrates that housing delivery will exceed planned annual and cumulative rates of house building by up to 25% - Under delivery against planned annual rates - The need to ensure co-ordination with necessary infrastructure improvements - The housing market and the ability of sites to deliver affordable housing in line with Policy SP3 Proposals for the non residential use of allocated housing sites, housing sites with planning permission or proposals which would result in the loss of existing residential accommodation will only be permitted where the need for the use is considered to outweigh use of the site/building for residential purposes.

Occupancy Restrictions

The following occupancy conditions will be used to ensure that developments are occupied for the purpose for which they are intended and justified. This policy will be applied in the following circumstances: a) Local Needs Occupancy To meet local housing need in the non-service villages the occupancy of new market housing will be subject to a local needs occupancy condition where this accords with Policy SP2, and will be limited to people who: • Have permanently resided in the parish, or an adjoining parish (including those outside the District), for at least three years and are now in need of new accommodation, which cannot be met from the existing housing stock; or • Do not live in the parish but have a long standing connection to the local community, including a previous period of residence of over three years but have moved away in the past three years, or service men and women returning to the parish after leaving military service; or • Are taking up full-time permanent employment in an already established business which has been located within the parish, or adjoining parish, for at least the previous three years; or • Have an essential need arising from age or infirmity to move to be near relatives who have been permanently resident within the District for at least the previous three years b) Affordable Housing The occupancy of affordable housing units secured through developer contributions or the use of the Rural Exceptions Policy will be restricted to households in housing need who cannot afford to meet their housing requirements in the open housing market. Occupancy conditions or eligibility clauses will, in most cases, cascade as follows: • Residents who have permanently or ordinarily lived in the parish for at least three years • Those who have been permanently employed in the parish for three years • Residents who have permanently or ordinarily lived in adjacent parishes (including those outside the District) for at least three years • Former residents of the parish with at least 10 years residency with a need to return to the parish or service men and women returning to the parish after leaving military service • Households with a close family connection to residents of the parish who have lived there permanently or ordinarily for at least five years • Residents of Ryedale who live permanently or ordinarily in the District c) Agricultural/ Forestry/ Land-Based Activity (i) Proposals for new residential development in the open countryside (outside Development Limits) to support land-based activity, will be required to demonstrate an essential need for the dwelling that cannot be met elsewhere. A condition will be applied requiring that the dwelling remains available in perpetuity for use by a person/s employed full-time in agriculture/forestry or other enterprise for which a dwelling in the particular location is considered essential. (ii) Time restricted conditions and occupancy conditions will be applied to temporary residential accommodation to support a new farming/forestry/ rural enterprise activity where the need for the accommodation can be justified. Such accommodation will take the form of a caravan or wooden structure which would be supported, normally for a period of three years. d) Ancillary Residential Accommodation Where further residential accommodation within the curtilage of an existing dwelling is proposed to complement the existing living arrangements, such as to provide a 'granny annexe', the proposed development shall remain ancillary to the existing house and shall not be separately occupied. Accommodation that has a separate access and the ability to be fully self-contained will be discouraged. e) Time-Limited Occupation New un-serviced holiday accommodation (holiday cottages, caravan parks (static and touring), log cabins and holiday chalets) will be subject to the following conditions: • The accommodation is occupied for holiday purposes only; and not as a person's sole, or main place of residence; and • It shall be available for commercial holiday lets for a least 140 days a year and no let must exceed 31 days; and • The owners/operators shall maintain an up-to-date register of lettings/occupation and advertising will be maintained at all times and shall be made available for inspection to an officer of the Local Planning Authority on request. f) Seasonal Occupancy Condition A seasonal occupancy condition will be attached where the proposed accommodation is not suitable for year-round occupation by nature of its location, design or proximity to a habitat that needs extra protection at certain times of the year. g) Lifting of Occupancy Restrictions (i) The lifting of occupancy restrictions will be carefully considered on a case by case basis. The capability and suitability of the unit being occupied as a permanent residential unit together with any changes in circumstances which mean the occupancy restriction is no longer applicable, will be carefully considered. (ii) Changes in the scale and character of farming/ forestry/other enterprise may affect the longer-term requirement for dwellings that are subject to an occupancy condition. For an agricultural occupancy condition to be lifted, up to date documentary evidence provided by an independent consultant will be required showing that there is no demand for the accommodation in its current status. This would be established over a period of at least 12 months through the advertisement of the property by agents specialising in the sale of agricultural land and property in the Ryedale area, with regular advertisement within agricultural journals and local papers. The property advertisement must refer to the existence of the agricultural occupancy condition, and for the property be priced accordingly.

Affordable Housing

Where local need exists, the Local Planning Authority will seek the provision of new affordable homes by: Negotiating with developers and landowners to secure a proportion of new housing development to be provided as affordable units Supporting Registered Social Landlords in bringing forward wholly affordable schemes within Ryedale's towns and villages Supporting in principle, the release of 'Rural Exception Sites' Affordable homes will also be provided in conjunction with landlords through the purchase and repair of existing dwellings, alterations and improvements to the existing affordable housing stock and through the re-use of empty homes. Affordable Housing from Developer Contributions The Local Planning Authority will seek the provision of: 35% of new dwellings as affordable housing on-site (in settlements outside West and South West Ryedale*) as part of developments of 5 dwellings or 0.2 ha or more and 35% of new dwellings as affordable housing on-site with a further additional financial contribution equivalent to a further 5% of provision as part of developments of 5 dwellings or 0.2ha or more in West and South West Ryedale* ( including Ampleforth, Helmsley**, Hovingham and Sheriff Hutton) Where the on-site contribution does not equate precisely to whole numbers of units, equivalent financial contributions will be sought. Below the threshold of 5 dwellings/0.2 ha, a pro-rated financial contribution will be sought from all new residential development, where this is viable. In negotiating schemes the Local Planning Authority will look to maximise provision to achieve these targets, having regard to the circumstances of individual sites and scheme viability. Developers will be expected to conduct negotiations on an 'open book' basis. The size,type and tenure of affordable units will be expected to reflect the affordable housing needs in the locality. Affordable housing contributions should comprise both social and affordable rent tenures as well as intermediate tenure types. Off-site provision in lieu of on-site contributions will only be supported where it is agreed that this is preferable in terms of management arrangements or where there are clear advantages or over riding reasons for contributions in lieu of provisi

Type and mix of new housing

Increased housing choice and high quality housing will be provided through: • New housing development • The re-use of empty properties • Improvements and adaptations to existing homes New housing sites in Ryedale will provide increased housing choice and contribute to the provision of a balanced housing stock. To address specific identified housing requirements and specialist needs the following provision will be sought: • Support the delivery of homes built to Lifetime Homes standards • Extra-care provision including at least 160 extra-care apartments through x4 40 unit schemes to 2020 (and to support requirements post 2020 once these are identified) at Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley to address the requirements of North Yorkshire County Council through: o The redevelopment of existing publicly owned sites and facilities o New purpose built sites o Mixed development on large (> 150 dwelling) allocated housing sites • Affordable housing contributions on new development sites will be expected to include the provision of accommodation for older and vulnerable groups • Relocation of the supported accommodation currently provided at Bridge House • At least 5% of all new homes built on schemes of 50 dwellings or more shall be built as bungalows providing this is viable in conjunction with other requirements or where there are overriding reasons why this cannot be achieved in terms of urban design Development proposals for larger, specialist accommodation, specifically designed for the elderly will be expected to be located in areas where services and facilities can be easily accessed by walking or use of public transport. The type and size of new housing will be expected to address identified stock imbalances or, alternatively, in those locations where the stock is currently more balanced, to ensure a range of dwelling types and sizes are provided in order to retain a balanced housing stock and provide choice in the housing market. To ensure housing is well designed and supports safe and inclusive communities: • Adequate private, individual amenity space will be required to be provided as part of the development of new houses or retained as existing homes are extended • Communal amenity space will be required as part of flatted development, where this is feasible and practicable • An appropriate level of safe play space will be provided for children and young people within larger development sites providing family housing in line with Policy SP11 • Outdoor environments will be designed to be safe and inclusive and to take account of the requirements of people of all ages and abilities

Sites for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

To address the identified needs of Gypsies and Travellers, Tara Park at Malton will be safeguarded as an existing authorised site. An extension to Tara Park will provide a deliverable supply of seven pitches to address pitch requirements in the short term. A further site will be identified to address the remaining shortfall in identified requirements and longer term future needs once these are assessed. The following criteria will be used to select an appropriate site: • Reasonable access to local services and community facilities • The size of the site is sufficient to enable good design and layout in order to provide: o Adequate space for safe parking, turning and servicing; o Pitch sizes that facilitate good quality living accommodation without overcrowding or conversely, unnecessary sprawl o Facilities, service and amenity space of an appropriate standard • The site is appropriate in scale to the nearest settled community and the impact on and from neighbouring land uses is considered acceptable • Safe vehicular access to the public highway can be provided Proposals for further subsequent provision will be considered against the above criteria and in relation to identified need and national policy. The limited requirement for two plots to address the identified needs of travelling showpeople will be provided for in an appropriate location and where the above criteria can be addressed

Physical Infrastructure

Improvements to physical infrastructure identified in Table 2 and Table 3 which is critical and necessary to support this Strategy, will be secured through planning obligations and tariff based contributions over the Plan Period in tandem with new development. The Council will support the provision of the following types of infrastructure and related services including: Transport New or modified road and junction improvements where there is a net environmental benefit to the District Improvements in public transport services and passenger facilities The continued provision of demand responsive transport initiatives The provision a network of safe cycling and walking routes linking residential areas with employment sites, town centres, schools and recreational facilities and requiring new development schemes, where appropriate, to improve connectivity with existing footpaths, cycle routes, public rights of way and public transport facilities The use of former railway lines and tracks for recreational purposes (including walking, cycling and horse riding) or for potential public transport use should the opportunity arise in the longer term. Development which may prejudice the ability for former railway lines/tracks to be used or reused for these purposes will not be supported Ensuring an appropriate level of car parking is provided as part of any development scheme in consultation with the County Council and that Town Centre car parking is managed to ensure an appropriate level of provision of long and short stay spaces as set out in the Council's latest Car Parking Strategy Ensuring that development decisions in this Plan Period do not undermine the ability to deliver further strategic transport improvements, or limit future choices relating to the scale and location of development that will be required to support longer term growth and development at Malton and Norton in the next Plan Period Telecommunications Provision of broadband equipment, including improvements to the speed and quality of existing broadband across the District, subject to the provisions of SP20 Provision of mobile telecommunications equipment to improve the quality and strength of signal in the District subject to: There being an operational requirement for the equipment There are no satisfactory alternative sites following an assessment of utilising existing structures and site sharing with other operators The provisions of Policies SP13 and SP20

Planning Obligations, Developer Contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy

New development will contribute to the place-making objectives and aspirations of this Plan and to the infrastructure necessary to support future development in the District. The Local Planning Authority will negotiate planning obligations/ developer contributions and charge a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to address the necessary improvements to social, physical or utility infrastructure which are required as a result of new development. Planning obligations will be sought to regulate development, to address necessary on-site mitigation measures to address its impact or to provide compensation for the loss or damage to a facility, feature or resource of acknowledged significance. Developer contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds will be used to contribute to all or some of the following: • Affordable housing and/or specialist housing to meet specific needs • Transport infrastructure improvements including public and community transport schemes and revenue support, transport infrastructure schemes, car parking, cycling and pedestrian improvements, Travel Plans and behavioural change measures • Education provision and facilities • Health care provision • Emergency services • Renewable energy, community energy schemes and 'Allowable Solutions' • Community buildings, open space, leisure and play facilities, allotments and burial facilities • Drainage and flood prevention measures • Water and sewerage utilities • Environmental/public realm improvements • Green Infrastructure Networks • Biodiversity and habitat compensation measures • Refuse collection receptacles and vehicles Once the Council has prepared and adopted the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule and relevant infrastructure list, developer contributions through Section 106 Agreements will be limited to site/development specific contributions, including affordable housing provision and site specific contributions which are necessary as a result of the scheme and which are essential to allow the granting of planning permission. Prior to the adoption of the Community Infrastructure Levy, the Local Planning Authority will negotiate developer (Section 106) contributions which are necessary to mitigate the impact that arises as a result of the development proposed. This will include contributions to some of the infrastructure requirements listed above where these are relevant to a scheme and will be informed by relevant policy targets included within this Plan. In negotiating contributions, the Local Planning Authority will have regard to development viability. Any proposed reduction in contributions will be weighed in the balance against the benefits of a scheme. Applicants should be aware that issues of viability will not override situations where a development would be unacceptable in planning terms without necessary mitigation.

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

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 area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with polices 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 permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or • Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Tourism

Tourism in Ryedale will contribute to a sustainable and diverse economy. The Council will seek to encourage sustainable tourism which minimises its environmental impact on the District. This will be achieved by supporting: • The provision of a range and choice of quality tourist accommodation • The business plans and operational requirements of existing tourist and visitor attractions, and event arenas where appropriate* • Encouraging all year round tourism subject to the occupancy conditions set out in Policy SP21 • Tourism in areas where potential is significantly underdeveloped, in particular, Malton and Norton and the Wolds • Cultural and creative businesses in Ryedale inspired by Ryedale's unique environment • The role of Pickering, Helmsley and Thornton-le-Dale as key visitor destinations as well as gateways to tourism and recreational opportunities in northern Ryedale including the North York Moors National Park. The impact of tourism on these communities will be managed particularly in relation to car parking, traffic management, local facilities and services And by maximising the opportunities to further develop tourism, outdoor education and recreation using the District's natural, cultural and historic assets as an economic driver, including the potential provided by: • The archaeological landscapes of the Vale of Pickering and the Yorkshire Wolds • The protected landscapes of the North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Ryedale's religious and Medieval history • Malton's Roman, Medieval and Georgian heritage • Malton and Norton's longstanding association with horse racing • Outdoor adventure in northern Ryedale including Dalby Forest – the Great Yorkshire Forest • Local food production • Farm and rural diversification • Biodiversity and the development of nature tourism New tourist attractions will be supported where they do not undermine the character of the area or prejudice the quality of the natural or built environment. Attractions that will attract large numbers of visitors should be accessible by a choice of means of transport. The following types of tourist accommodation will be supported in the following locations: Location Type/ Source of Accommodation Market Towns, Service Villages and other settlements • New hotel, bed and breakfast, self-catering or other serviced accommodation within the towns through new building or the conversion of existing buildings • Refurbishment and extension of existing buildings • Touring caravan and camping sites and static caravan and chalet self-catering accommodation of an appropriate scale and in appropriate locations on the edges of the settlements The wider open countryside • Appropriate expansion of an existing hotel, guest house, public house, farm house, holiday cottage or similar establishment • Re-use of traditional rural buildings • New touring caravan and camping sites and static caravan and chalet self-catering accommodation and extensions to existing facilities that can be accommodated without an unacceptable visual intrusion and impact on the character of the locality

Town Centres and Retailing

The Town Centres will be the focus for a diverse range of uses in the District. This will principally include retail activity and will also provide a focus for commercial and leisure uses, entertainment facilities, cultural activity and tourism. New retail development will be accommodated in line with the following Town Centre Hierarchy: Principal Town Centre: Malton Local Town Centres: Norton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley Retail and other town centre development of a scale appropriate to these roles will be supported where proposals maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of each Town Centre. New retail development will provide a strong retail mix in terms of its type, range and quality. This will: • Address quantitative deficiencies in non-food (comparison) retailing • Provide an improved range and choice of food (convenience) retailing • Provide greater range and choice of modern purpose built shop unit sizes, particularly in Malton Non-Food (Comparison) Retail To ensure that additional non-food/comparison retail development reflects the retail hierarchy and assists in delivering the Strategy of this Plan, the source and distribution of this new retail floorspace will be as follows: Malton and Norton 70% - Approx 5,394 square metres (net) minus current commitments Pickering 15% - Approx 1,156 square metres (net) Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley 15% - Approx 1,156 square metres (net) Food (Convenience) Retail Current commitments account for the quantitative food convenience retail to 2026. Should any commitments fail to come forward, any additional convenience floorspace will be directed to Malton. Appropriate land allocations at Malton will be made through the Local Plan Sites Document to accommodate the identified retail need at the time, taking into account commitments. A local floorspace impact threshold will be applied for the assessment of planning applications for town centre uses outside of the defined Town Centre Commercial Limits and not in accordance with this Plan. This will be applied as follows: • 500 square metres gross for comparison only schemes • 750 square metres gross for convenience only schemes, and • Where a proposal involves a combination of convenience and comparison floorspace, the threshold is set at 1000 square metres of the total retail gross floorspace of the scheme. Protection of Retail Uses To support their retailing role, loss of retail floor space will be resisted on Primary Retail Frontages unless it can be demonstrated that individually or cumulatively the proposal would not undermine the vitality and viability of these areas and the wider Town Centres. These include: Malton Market Place, Wheelgate/Newbiggin, Yorkersgate, Market Street, Castlegate and Saville Street Norton Commercial Street Pickering Market Place and Birdgate Kirkbymoorside Market Place Helmsley Bridge Street and Market Place