THE drawing up of a masterplan for the large scale transformation of a major part of Skipton including its railway station has been agreed by Craven District Council .

Following the endorsement of Policy Committee members, the proposed masterplan has now been agreed by the full council and can go ahead.

Part of the council’s Skipton Employment and Housing Growth Project, it will be funded by £5 million from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The masterplan will promote the creation of high quality places, spaces and buildings, secure environmental improvements and improve the quality of public space.

Council leader, Councillor Richard Foster, said: “We believe this masterplan will bring great economic and environmental benefits to Skipton and the wider area. If we get this plan right it could lead to many more millions of pounds’ worth of private sector investment. “

There was ‘great potential’, he said, in the area around Skipton Railway Station.

“We will be carrying out extensive engagement and consultation with the public and stakeholders throughout this process.”

To prepare the masterplan, a transport framework will be drawn up, along with a parking strategy for the town. There will be particular emphasis placed on encouraging people to make more journeys on foot, bicycle and public transport.

The masterplan area will be focused around the railway station, and incorporating Sandylands Business Centre and Carleton New Road Industrial Estate, Skipton Fire Station and the former LMS Social Club site.

It is expected to take up to a year to complete, and will also take in Cavendish Street Car Park and Skipton Bus Station.

The areas in the masterplan have been identified as regeneration opportunities in the draft Local Plan.

The Growth Project also includes the upgrade of Engine Shed Land and Ings Lane to adoptable standard, and creation of a new road linking the end of Ings Lane with the A629 bypass and Wyvern Park.

Pedestrian routes from the Railway Station to key destinations will also be improved, including the upgrade of the canal towpath from Broughton Road to the town centre.

At Tuesday’s full council meeting, Cllr Andy Solloway, ward councillor for the area, said he would like the council to look into what had happened to plans for a car park of up to 180 spaces on land off Carleton New Road, which he said would help relieve parking problems in the area.