National Park where employment is high but pay is low

The seasonality and low paid nature of tourism and the low take home pay of many working in the farming and foresty industries - both of which are vital to the economy and landscape of the national park - can pose challenges for those living and working in the landscape where house prices remain increasingly unaffordable for many.

But a report, which goes before the park’s planning committee next week. says parks chiefs are optimistic that business are choosing to set up enterprises in the area and there is a good amount of land approved for employment use.

“The local economy of the National Park underpins both its character and social structure and although unemployment rates in the park are low they have started to rise over the last twelve months. Farming and forestry continue to play a significant role in the economy and landscape of the National Park, however tourism is now the largest employment sector.

“The seasonality and low paid nature of tourism together with changes to farm incomes contributes to income levels in the North York Moors being below the regional average.”

Caroline Skelly, the authority’s planning policy officer, says there is reason for optimism: “The amount of land approved for employment floor space during the monitoring period remains higher than the baseline level, which suggests that many businesses choosing to locate in the National Park remain optimistic about growth.”

Latest figures show that, based on homes sold during 2012, average house prices have risen to £242,354 - which is higher than national and regional averages and makes it difficult for many local people to get on the housing ladder.

Park chiefs warn in the authority’s annual monitoring report that housing can be provided that is both affordable and in keeping with the landscape as its economy moves to one more reliant upon tourism.

“The National Park’s built environment is integral to the character and appearance of its landscape, much of which depends on the wealth of traditional and historic buildings and their siting in the wider countryside.

“The distinctive landscape character areas within the park are under threat from changes to the natural environment and shifts from the agricultural economy to a greater reliance on tourism. The authority needs to provide greater encouragement to ensure that new development has regard to its context and minimizes disturbance or damage to the historic environment.”

Some twelve social housing homes were built in the past year in the park with a further twelve due for completion.

Ms Skelly said the park was on track to meet its target of having 75 new homes built between 2012 and 2017 as set out in its management plan.

The report also reveals how 21 listed buildings in the park which were earmarked as being “at risk” are now in good repair after assistance was given to help their restoration.

“The building conservation team initiated and completed a number of grant projects to secure the good repairs of listed buildings,” Ms Skelly said.

The authority is also in the process of putting together a blueprint to shape future development in the market town of Helmsley, which is due to be published early next year and an action plan has been drawn up to extend Whitby Business Park.

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