Councillors give over-tourism warning to Bolton Abbey custodians

Councillors have warned that any new buildings at the Bolton Abbey estate must not “spoil” what makes the area so special.

A tourism masterplan has been worked on for the last 10 years by consultants working for the Devonshire Group which owns the site.
The document includes suggestions to improve the visitor experience for tourists such as building a new hotel, cafe and a children’s play area.
Unusually, the estate has its own policy for tourism-led development in the Craven local plan which guides what building can take place there.
The vast estate includes Grade I listed 12th century Bolton Priory ruins and associated Augustinian Foundation, a 15th century hunting lodge, 52 Grade II listed buildings and large swathes of farmland.  The Devonshire family has owned the estate since 1753.

At a meeting of Skipton and Ripon councillors yesterday the estate was described as a jewel in the crown of Craven but the Devonshire Group has said it’s not reaching its full potential.

Issues outlined in the masterplan include limited hotel availability, staff unable to live nearby due to high house prices, a lack of play facilities for children and poor energy performance.

It suggests the answer to these challenges is a “careful and sensitive” upgrading of facilities and infrastructure.
Planning approval has not been granted for any of the chances but if the council accepts the masterplan at a meeting of the executive later this month it could make them more likely to happen.

The report said a new hotel would complement the Devonshire Arms Hotel, providing more affordable accommodation to visitors and wedding guests.

It suggests new terraced cottages could be built along the old alignment of the A59 for members of staff to live in or for visitors.
Cottages to the north of the existing Kitchen Garden might also provide additional accommodation.
Other suggestions include a farm shop selling local produce, a cycle hub and a cafe.  A new play and education zone is also planned at the entrance to the village to provide indoor facilities throughout the year for families.

Cllr Robert Heseltine (Skipton East and South, Conservative and Independents Group) said the area around Bolton Bridge off the A59, where some of the new buildings are planned, “must not be sacrificed at the alter of commercial tourism.”  Cllr Heseltine said: “Bolton Abbey is renowned as one of the finest iconic settings of the Yorkshire Dales. The Devonshire family must be congratulated for its stewardship over many centuries so please do not spoil it now.”

Wharfedale councillor Richard Foster (Conservative) said any development needs to be sympathetic to the site’s rural setting.  Cllr Foster said: “I do understand we have to move forward, we’re not a museum. But without the farms and sheep and cattle to create the landscape the walls fall down. Something needs to guarantee the farming economy as existing businesses are vital.”

Cllr Andy Brown (Green Party, Aire Valley) said there should be more in the strategy about reducing car use as it’s currently “intensive, unpleasant and offputting”. He also said the jury was out on whether a new hotel was needed.

North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative-run executive could give final approval to the masterplan on September 17.

However, Cllr Simon Myers (Conservative, Mid-Craven), who sits on the executive, said the document must not be taken as “cart blanche” to pass any future planning applications that are brought forward.  Cllr Myers said: “The custodians did not create this beauty, it was the Augustinian monks. We’ll be keeping an eye on you.”