SCOTT TRIAL UPDATE

As many of you will be aware, the Scott Trial needs to apply for planning permission from the National Parks approximately every five years. This year is one of those years and we are currently going through the process. It is becoming harder to obtain this permission, and our planning advisor has recommended that at this stage we get as many people as possible to write to the parks supporting the trial and all it stands for in the local area.

We are, therefore, asking if as many people as possible could email the Parks ASAP to the email address below:

planning@yorkshiredales.org.uk for the attention of Ian Nesbitt, quoting reference “R/01/100E – planning application for annual Scott Trial event”

Ideally an email which is in your own words stating why you support the application would be great, possibly bringing in some of the points below:

• Well-established event which has been running for 100 years and which has always operated without harm to the landscape or other value of the area

• Well-run event which seeks to protect matters of environmental interest through mitigation

• Significant economic benefit to businesses and livelihoods in the Dales

• Social benefits, encouraging the sport and health and well-being

• Encouraging and fostering access to the outdoors

• Event should be encouraged to continue in the interests of the social and economic well-being of the local and wider community

• Over £235K given to local charities over the time that RMC have run the trial.

If you would prefer to copy and paste something that would be great but add a bit of personalisation if you can. We have a basic response below.

“I write in support of the above planning application. The Scott Trial is a much-loved event which has been running for over 100 years and is part of the tradition of the Yorkshire Dales. The event brings many public benefits to the area, which are significant. They include the economic benefits to local businesses and individuals’ livelihoods, from increased visitor stays and consumer spending. This has long-lasting beneficial impacts on local peoples’ lives. They also include social and health benefits, by encouraging access to the outdoors, involvement in sport, and learning opportunities related to the landscape in which the event is held. The event, despite happening every year, has minimal, if any, impact on the environment, in part due to its infrequent nature, but also the very careful management by the Scott Trial organisers, all of whom are volunteers and who give their time to ensure the event continues.”

These emails of support need to be with the Parks as soon as possible so your help with this would be much appreciated. Let’s make sure the National Parks know how much support there is out there for this iconic trial!

Thank you in anticipation

The Scott Trial Committee