SKIPTON Civic Society, walking groups and residents have reacted with dismay after a planning inspector recommended against designating historic Park Hill ‘local green space’.

Park Hill, close to Skipton Castle and with two long distance footpaths running through it, was proposed by Craven District Council as ‘local green space’ in the nearing completion Craven Local Plan.

But, following the final inspection in public hearings last year by a Government planning inspector, the inspector has recommended that the land is not given the special designation.

More than 100 changes to the document have been recommended by the inspector and are currently out to public consultation until the beginning of April.

David Smurthwaite, strategic manager at Craven District Council, said the inspector reached an initial conclusion that he could not accept two pockets of land proposed by the council as ‘local green space’ - Park Hill, and land to the west of Hellifield.

“ The inspector is of the view that both these areas are ‘extensive tracts of land. The council therefore proposed alternative and smaller parts of these areas for designation. The inspector has now agreed to recommend one area of land to the west of Hellifield as Local Green Space. However, he has indicated that he cannot accept the proposals to designate any of the land to the north of Skipton. “

The council had asked for ‘further clarification’ so those who wished to take part in the consultation can make informed responses.

He added there were other policies in the local plan which would protect the land, including policies around the protection of ancient monuments and woodland.

Claire Nash, of Skipton Civic Society, said both the Dales High Way and the Lady Anne’s Way cross Park Hill, which is also known as ‘Battery Hill’ and was once part of Skipton Castle’s hunting park.

“The walks are popular with tourists, but the path is also used by many as a round trip with the return through Skipton Woods. The splendid views of Skipton and Sharp Haw have been painted and drawn by artists including Turner. Skipton Civic Society, residents and path users will continue to oppose the deletion of protection for this important and historic part of Skipton.

Skipton councillor Andy Solloway said he was encouraging anyone with strong views about the allocation of Park Hill to respond to the consultation.

“I do also have a view that this local plan has been about protection of green spaces, sports facilities, amenity areas and employment land as much as allocation of land for housing. As such it is a double disappointment that both a landowner and the Government Inspector can simply object at this late stage.

Chris Grogan, of the Dales Way Association and writer of a guide to the Dales High Way, said thousands of visitors from all over the world walked the paths across Park Hill every year.

“We urge Craven Council to do everything they can to protect this important piece of land. Lady Anne’s Way has recently been waymarked from its start at Skipton Castle all the way through the Yorkshire Dales to Penrith. Next year is the 25th anniversary of the walk and we expect even larger numbers to be walking it. What a tragedy if their first mile is through a building site," she said.