Aysgarth Falls Hotel development given planning approval

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s planning committee voted the plans through for Aysgarth Falls Hotel, in accordance with a recommendation from planning officers.

A proposal to delay the decision to get further information from Yorkshire Water or carry out a site visit was voted down.

Issues with foul water impacting on Aysgarth Falls just 200 metres away were dismissed, despite one member stating that the water company was not carrying out its “social responsibility”.

Richard Foster spoke against deferment on the grounds that Yorkshire Water were unlikely to be able to provide any more comment.

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He said: “Their role is to provide sewage works in the area. We may see this as a problem but we cannot make planning decisions on the basis of that.

“The only other reason for deferment is a site visit. The site is currently covered in tents and caravans.”

The planning application was ultimately approved by the committee despite vocal opposition from members in the community and the parish council.

Alistair Dinsdale, a Wensleydale dairy farmer, was particularly concerned by the environmental impact of the plans, saying a sewerage plant discharges directly into the river above the middle falls.

“When I visited the outfall last Wednesday afternoon it was discharging milky coloured liquid with unfiltered solid sweetcorn kernals,” he said.

“These plants work on bacteria and will not work with amounts of fats, oils, cleaning chemicals, disinfectants and certainly not the contents of hot tubs which are emptied along with their chemical contents and refilled between each new guest. All these products kill bacteria and render the treatment plant ineffective.

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"The application put forward arbitrary figures suggesting a reduction in discharge but what sort of discharge? What goes down that pipe ends up in the falls.”

The hotel, beside the A684, wants to build 14 lodges and an extension. It was acquired by Barnsley-based company The Brook Group two years ago. 

Following planning approval being granted, Cameron Brook from the company said: “The planning application faced some considerable hurdles, as can be expected with a major development located within the heart of a National Park.

“Despite this, it ultimately secured approval at the committee, with no members voting to refuse.

“The success of the application was undoubtedly a team effort, and we wish to thank all the consultants who contributed to the project.

“We are delighted that the National Park Authority has seen the merit in our vision and that they too understand how we wish to enhance the existing offering, along with providing a year-round benefit to the local economy."