In March 2014, this Authority adopted its current 'Local List' of validation requirements for planning applications, a copy of the committee report can be found at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/about-us/meetings-and-agendas/archived-agendas/archived-planning-agendas/2014/march-2014/Item-4-Plan-March-2014.pdf. The Government requires such lists to be updated every 2 years. To help us ensure our list is fit for purpose we would ask you to complete our brief survey.

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* 1. Do you think that the North York Moors National Park Authority should require an Agricultural Dwelling Assessment with every planning application for a new farm worker's dwelling (new build or conversion)?

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* 2. Do you think that the North York Moors National Park Authority should require submission of a structural survey from an appropriately qualified and independent surveyor for every planning application for a conversion of a traditional building to a new use eg barn conversion to dwelling or holiday cottage?

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* 3. Do you think that the North York Moors National Park Authority should require targeted ecology scoping surveys for: Bats, Barn Owls and Greater Crested Newts on sites and types of developments where there is a likelihood or the species being present.

For Bats: the trigger for a scoping survey is likely to be based on; conversion of traditional buildings, works to kilns or tunnels or caves or bridges, wind turbines within 50m of a linear landscape feature eg a hedge or demolition of a building. 

For Barn Owls: conversion, demolition, alterations or extensions to rural buildings, where there are records of barn owls being present, where there are hollow trees at the site.

For Greater Crested Newts: development extending beyond the footprint of existing buildings where the development site includes rough grassland/scrub/hedgerows/woodland/a pond within 500m or where records indicate Greater Crested Newts being present.

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* 4. Do you think that the North York Moors National Park Authority should require Flood Risk Assessments for all developments in flood zones 2 and 3 and where there are well documented rainfall (pluvial) flooding problems?

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* 5. Do you think that the North York Moors National Park Authority should require Heritage Statements for:
1. All applications which would affect a designated historic asset or an undesignated asset which is of significant historical interest.
2. All non-designated archaeological heritage assets shown on the Authority's Historic Environment Record (HER).

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* 6. Do you think that the North York Moors National Park Authority should require an Affordable Housing (incorporating an up to date housing needs assessment) or Local Occupancy housing statement for all planning applications for either affordable or local occupancy housing schemes. The statement for a scheme which potentially involves a quota of affordable housing will require a financial viability assessment using the Homes and Community Agency, Development Appraisal Tool (DAT) methodology.

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* 7. Are there any other vetting requirements you feel the Authority should consider for inclusion in its list eg Coal Report in areas of known coal mining or non-mains drainage information, arboricultural survey? (Please explain why).

Thank you for undertaking this survey and helping the North York Moors Planning Team improve its service. Any queries please contact Mark Hill, Head of Development Management by email m.hill@northyorkmoors.org.uk or by telephoning 01439 772700.

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