Planning row looms over holiday lodges bid by Aysgarth Falls Hotel

The Aysgarth Falls Hotel, beside the busy A684, has submitted an application to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for the lodges, which would replace existing caravan and camping pitches, and an extension to the main hotel building.

It says the plans would mean a significant investment in the local economy and transform the hotel into a "destination of distinction," but at a special meeting of Aysgarth and District Parish Council, members agreed to strongly object to the proposal.

The council has subsequently told the authority’s planning department: "It is an expansion which is totally out of keeping with the area and will permanently change its nature. We feel this development does not add anything the area needs, but it does take away facilities that the area cannot afford to lose and will permanently damage the local economy and landscape. It is commercialisation on a grand scale better suited to larger urban areas such as Leyburn where there is already a large hotel development under consideration.

Aysgarth Falls is a popular attraction

"We believe that in planning terms this development is not in the public interest, particularly locally, because of its damaging impact on the local economy, and thereby the local community as a whole, and for its lasting detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape character, and recreational opportunities."

The 18th Century inn was bought by Barnsley-based The Brook Group in 2021. A planning statement lodged on behalf of the applicant said the total spend associated with the project would be more than £3m, "representing a considerable vote of confidence in the National Park and its visitor economy," while 17 jobs would be created.

The parish council also voiced concerns about potential light pollution on Aysgarth Falls from a glazed events space at the back of the hotel, but the planning statement from the hotel said the development "will have a minimal impact upon the area's dark skies, with special consideration taken to ensure that the northerly wildlife corridor remains free from artificial light, noise and activity related disturbance" through "a combination of design, landscaping and well-considered lighting arrangements".

Aysgarth Falls, by Heather Middleton

The potential impact on the footpath from Aysgarth village to Aysgarth Falls was another issue highlighted by the parish council, who said it "is well used daily and in all weathers". The council added: "People using this footpath do so to avoid using the road and to enjoy the rural setting and visual amenity of the immediate environment. Walking through the last part of the route via the camping fields does not materially detract from that experience since it is still a grass field. 

"Converting the last part of this walk to 15 lodges will completely change the nature of the immediate area and damage the experience the visitors have come for and expect, maybe even dissuading people from using the footpath across that area and choosing to walk along the road instead."

In its objection the council also referenced the loss of caravan pitches, citing their importance as an affordable holiday option for visitors to the area, concerns about the proposed amount of wastewater from the lodges, and the impact upon local businesses, including the shop at Aysgarth Garage. 

Other objections have come from a nearby householder, who said the rural character of the landscape so close to Aysgarth Falls should be preserved for the benefit of both residents and visitors. 

The Friends of the Dales described the development as being "inappropriate and detrimental to the area which is next to one of the major tourist spots in the Dales".

The hotel says "to remain viable and protect existing employment, both on site and throughout the supply chain" it "needs to diversify its visitor proposition, providing greater choice and capacity to attract wider markets".

A number of letters of support have also been submitted to planners. The treasurer of Moorcock Show, one of the oldest sheep shows in Wensleydale, said the Brook Group had supported the event last year by providing cooking demonstrations to promote local lamb, and the hotel's plans "will benefit the local economy and provide employment". Black Sheep Brewery backed the plans and said the site "has been instrumental as the gateway to the upper dales for locals and visitors alike".