The proposed development would be contrary to Policy ENV2 of the NYM Local Plan which seeks to ensure that development proposals do not have unacceptable impact on the tranquillity of the surrounding area in relation to visual intrusion; noise; activity levels; and traffic generation. The proposal would interfere with these qualities which are increasingly rare and are highly valued and is a very strong special quality of the National Park and would adversely affect enjoyment of the National Park.
The Local Planning Authority considers that it cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated that protected bird species, notably Goshawk (Schedule 1, Wildlife & Countryside Act) and Nightjar (Section 41, NERC Act, Annex 1, EU Birds Directive) would not be adversely affected by the proposed development, or that it would not have a significant effect on the interest features of the North York Moors Special Protection Area (SPAs), because flights to and from the proposed airstrip could potentially cause disturbance to the species for which the special protection area is designated. The proposal is therefore contrary the statutory purposes of the National Park Authority where conservation of wildlife is explicit, and Strategic Policies A and H of the Local Plan. Furthermore, the failure to demonstrate that protected species would not be harmed runs contrary to national policy contained in the online National Planning Guidance and Chapter 11 of the NPPF which states that conservation of wildlife is important and that it is essential for the presence or otherwise of protected species, and the extent that they may be affected by a proposed development to be established before planning permission is granted.