Residents challenge HQ approval, citing conflict of interest and ignored safety measures from the Town Plan.
The residents think there’s a conflict of interest, too. The case officer used to work for the park authority and handled the application, leading the group to say their worries got ignored.
They wrote a letter to government ministers asking for officials to investigate two approved projects: a housing estate and the headquarters scheme. An old report suggested safety measures. This report advised separating traffic types, aiming to keep houses safe from mixed-use roads.
Residents say these suggestions were ignored, as houses now have direct driveway access, which they say is not safe. The residents say the council can’t fairly judge itself.
They feel an independent review is urgent that should study the planning department and look at the impacts on Helmsley residents. They believe the Town Plan isn’t being followed for big decisions.
The Park Authority can now build a new headquarters outside the national park, in Helmsley itself, leading to residents’ worries that this will hurt their community. North Yorkshire Council didn’t comment.