Your Neighbourhood Plan Update - Roads, Transport and Local Services

Thank you to everyone who gave feedback in the neighbourhood plan relating to roads, traffic, public transport and local services in and around Tockwith.

Residents highlighted concerns about the narrow roads around Southfield Lane and Regency Place, as well as the area around the school. These included the difficulties caused by buses and congestion, particularly at school drop-off and pick-up times, and concerns about pedestrian safety.

Residents also raised the need for better public transport and more local services, including the possibility of a café, takeaway options and visiting food vendors.

We have now received responses from both Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP and Councillor Andrew Paraskos.

Southfield Lane and school congestion

Councillor Andrew Paraskos has confirmed that the concerns about Southfield Lane outside the school have been reported to North Yorkshire Council’s Highways team.

The condition of the road has been highlighted, with one side of the carriageway breaking away and having deteriorated significantly in places.

The Council is also aware of the congestion that occurs around school drop-off and collection times. Cllr Paraskos has said that much of this is caused by motorists not making full use of the sports field car park when dropping off or collecting children.

He has asked Highways Officers to visit the site and assess whether measures could be introduced to improve road safety, traffic flow and parking arrangements.

One possibility that has been raised is the introduction of double yellow lines. However, the Council has pointed out that restrictions of this kind can sometimes simply move parking problems onto neighbouring roads.

As a result, any measures will need to be considered carefully to ensure that they genuinely improve the situation rather than create more difficulties elsewhere.

The Council says it will continue to check the situation and work with the relevant parties to find practical solutions to congestion and safety concerns around the school.

Public transport

The limited availability of public transport was another concern raised by residents.

North Yorkshire Council has acknowledged that this can have a significant impact on residents' ability to access work, education, healthcare and other essential services.

While most bus services are run commercially, the Council says it continues to work with transport providers and advocate for improvements where demand and need are identified.

The Council also recognises the importance of improving connectivity, particularly for residents who do not have access to a private vehicle.

Responsibility for bus services is due to move towards the North Yorkshire and York Mayor as part of the changes to local transport arrangements.

Local services and future development

Residents also expressed an interest in seeing more local services in Tockwith, including a café, takeaway facilities and visiting food vendors.

Cllr Paraskos has explained that North Yorkshire has a significant proportion of protected landscape, which can make development and the provision of new facilities more challenging in some areas.

At the same time, the Government has increased North Yorkshire's annual housing requirement from around 1,600 homes to more than 4,000 homes per year.

The Council consider the impact development could have on highways, education, healthcare, drainage, the environment and community facilities, when reviewing any planning application.

Cllr Paraskos has said he will continue to support communities in making sure the necessary infrastructure is provided.

What happens next?

The immediate focus will be on the Highways assessment of Southfield Lane and the area around the school, including possible measures to improve safety, traffic flow and parking.

The concerns about public transport and the availability of local services have also been formally highlighted, alongside the wider need to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with development.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to raise these issues. The concerns raised by residents have now been put directly to the relevant representatives, and we will continue to follow up on the issues and keep residents informed of any further developments.