Authority to visit site of proposed Dales art gallery site

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) members say they need to visit the site of a proposed art gallery before deciding whether to approve the development near Semerwater.

Concerns were raised that the scheme at Thorns Farm, near Countersett, in Raydale, would be built in open countryside.
The application would see existing farm buildings converted into a gallery/studio for arts and crafts, and cultural events.
Two new buildings containing a workshop, staff accommodation and three short-stay visitors’ units have also been proposed, along with landscaping work.
Work has already taken place to the farm buildings so the application is part-retrospective.

The application was recommended for approval by officers by the YDNPA planning committee at their meeting today (TUESDAY).
Several members backed the scheme.

Councillor Yvonne Peacock said: “I think this is an exciting application. It’s going to get artists coming up to paint and enjoy our lovely countryside.”
Lizzie Bushby added: “It’s great to see this kind of diversification.”

But other members raised concerns about the impact on the landscape and what would happen to the site if the art business failed.
Councillor Richard Foster asked members who supported it whether they would think differently if a slaughterhouse was being proposed.
He added: “We fight farmers who come and want to put buildings up in the open countryside.

“I’m just worried that there’s a little bit of double standards because it sounds like a twee project that we want to get onboard with.”
Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright added: “Being a cynic, it doesn’t work and they’ve got at least five or six short-term holiday lets.”

The meeting heard the Friends of the Dales group had objected to the application.  They said in their response: “We object to the construction of a new building to provide visitor accommodation. This is tantamount to the construction of new dwellings in open countryside. Accordingly, it is not within policy and demonstrates an inappropriate level of development for the area, not consistent with the nature and character of this quiet dale.”

Members of the planning committee agreed to hold a site visit before determining the application.