Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council Statement

Published: 11 June 2026

Residents of Tockwith & Wilstrop Parish – Proposed Development at Tockwith Airfield

The Parish Council is aware that the proposed development at Tockwith Airfield is generating significant discussion, concern and strong feelings across our community. We recognise that many residents care deeply about the future of our parish and the potential impact any development could have on our village, infrastructure, environment and quality of life.

As your Parish Council, we are committed to representing the views and interests of residents. However, to do this effectively, it is important that we receive feedback through the appropriate channels and within the formal processes that govern local government and planning.

How Residents Can Engage

We strongly encourage residents to:

Attend any public meetings specifically arranged in relation to the Tockwith Airfield proposals.
Attend regular Parish Council meetings and make use of the public participation opportunities available.
Engage directly with consultation events and information sessions organised by the developer or their representatives.
Submit comments and representations through the formal planning process should a planning application be submitted.

Whilst we are aware of the many conversations taking place across local social media groups and online platforms, these discussions do not form part of the formal planning process. Social media can be a useful place to share views, but it does not provide the Parish Council with a structured mechanism to gather evidence, understand concerns in detail, or formally represent those views to North Yorkshire Council.

For the Parish Council to effectively advocate on behalf of residents, we need to hear those views directly through meetings, consultations and formal submissions.

Current Position

For clarity, no formal planning application has yet been submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

To date, Hallam Land Management has undertaken work including assessments relating to the airfield site and has held public engagement events to introduce their proposals. Should the project progress to a formal planning application, there will be further opportunities for every resident to review the plans and submit comments, support or objections directly to North Yorkshire Council.

Understanding Planning Objections

When a planning application is considered, decisions are based on what are known as material planning considerations. These are issues that planning authorities are legally able to take into account when determining an application.

Examples of material considerations may include:

Traffic generation and highway safety.
Impact on local infrastructure and services.
Environmental impacts.
Flood risk and drainage.
Noise, pollution and air quality.
Landscape and visual impact.
Heritage and conservation matters.
Design, layout and scale of development.

Some concerns, while entirely understandable, may be considered non-material considerations under planning law and therefore cannot influence the planning decision. Understanding this distinction can help ensure that objections and representations carry the greatest possible weight during the planning process.

Looking Ahead

Should a planning application be submitted, there will also be discussion around potential planning obligations and community benefits, including the infrastructure and services needed to support any future development. These matters will require careful consideration by residents, the Parish Council and ultimately North Yorkshire Council as the planning authority.

Our Commitment

The Parish Council will continue to act in the best interests of the residents of Tockwith and Wilstrop Parish. We remain committed to listening, engaging and ensuring that local views are properly represented throughout any future planning process.

We would therefore encourage all residents, regardless of their position on the proposed development, to participate constructively, attend meetings where possible, and engage through the formal channels available. Your voice is important, and the more informed and structured the feedback we receive, the better we can represent our community.

Tockwith & Wilstrop Parish Council

11 June 2026