The Local Planning Authority considers that the proposal would not provide a type of recreational activity that would further the understanding and enjoyment of the National Park's special qualities, and would be likely to generate a level of noise and activity that would seriously harm the tranquillity of the area and be detrimental to the amenities of local residents and the experience of visitors. The proposal would therefore be contrary to Core Policies A and H and Development Policy 14 of the NYM Local Development Plan.
In the view of the Local Planning Authority the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the enjoyment of users of the Public Rights of Way which run through the site, both in terms of noise and disturbance and public safety. The proposal is therefore contrary to Development Policy 23 of the NYM Local Development Framework.
The Local Planning Authority considers that the cumulative impact of the visible presence of standing aircraft, combined with subsequent aircraft movements and the associated aircraft activity and noise on this exposed agricultural holding would change the character of the site to an airfield rather than a farm holding, to the detriment of the tranquillity of the area. The proposal would therefore be contrary to Core Policies A and H and Development Policy 14 of the NYM Local Development Plan.
It is considered that insufficient information has been submitted to determine whether the proposal will have a likely significant effect on the interest features of the North York Moors Special Protection Area (SPAs) because flights from the proposed airstrip could potentially cause disturbance to SPA birds, which may use offsite feeding areas closer to the proposal site, as well as the SPA itself. The proposal is therefore contrary to Core Policy C of the Local Development Plan
The context of the application site is that it is surrounded by designated heritage assets of the highest importance. The activity generated by flight movements and the impact of stationary aircraft is likely to have a negative impact on the public experience and enjoyment of, and thus the setting and significance of these designated heritage assets. Whilst the level of harm is considered to be "less than substantial", under policy 134 of the NPPF such harm must be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal. In the case of this proposal the level of public benefits are insufficient to outweigh the resultant harm to these designated heritage assets of the highest importance.