Dales beauty spot divided over question of extra car parking

The proposals have divided opinion in Horton in Ribblesdale with some fearing allowing a field to be used as a car park more frequently will be a “visual intrusion” while others claim it will help ease parking problems.

At present, the field off Station Road is used as a temporary car park but it is now being proposed it is used for visitor parking for 70 days a year, between April and October.

Originally, the applicants Mr G White and Ms Graham, submitted proposals for parking for 95 days, but this has since been amended.

Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s planning committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the application. Officers are recommending that the proposals are given the go-ahead but suggest the use should be limited to 57 days, between April to September.

It is proposed that the extended car parking would tie-in with Bank Holidays and major events such as the Three Peaks Race and major fundraising walks by national charities.

A report to committee members says: “The field occupies a prominent position within the village and its use as a temporary car parking has an adverse impact on the immediate surroundings.

“In the wider landscape the site is visible from Pen y gent and Harber Scar Lane to the east. From these vantage points one looks directly down onto the site, although it is seen in the context of the village and Horton quarry.”

It adds: “The impact of the use on neighbours can be significant when large numbers of people descend on the village. Near neighbours experience noise and disturbance from activity on the site and inconvenience from the many vehicles waiting to access the site. Issues such as litter, mud on the road and visitors urinating in the field are problems that could easily be resolved through better site management.

“Some objectors recognise that the use of the field is necessary to cater for large events but object to the original proposal to open up use of the field for 95 days in the summer. Some people are concerned about tents and caravans on the field when there are existing camp sites in Horton.

“Supporters consider that the use of the field is necessary to alleviate the parking problems in the village and that the events bring business to the village (pubs, B&B’s, cafe and shop).”

Horton in Ribblesdale Parish Council, in response to the original 95-day proposal, has recommended that park authority members refuse the application.

It is concerned the proposal will create a significant visual intrusion and impact upon the amenities of residents, they say it will not solve parking problems in the village and creating additional parking will only encourage extra journeys by car.

The park authority has received six letters from residents objecting to the application and seven in support.

Objectors are concerned about the noise from cars and visitors and say 95 days is too much, they are concerned there will be traffic jams and congestion at the site entrance and they say the site floods and this will pose a risk to users. Supporters argue it will help alleviate parking problems, say the events are good for business but they will not come if they cannot park and they say the owners donate the proceeds from two events to the village.

The plan to extend parking on the field is proposed as at peak visitor times and when large events take place demand for parking outstrips what is available and without it there would be severe congestion, the report says.

The applicants have also drawn-up figures showing how many cars attended organised events last year. Four resulted in 300 to 450 cars parking up and 11 generated 100-200 cars.

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