Tracked Version of Core Strategy, November 2012 - Selby District ...

Selby District Submission Draft Core Strategy – May 2011
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housing, employment, leisure, education, health, local government
and cultural activities and facilities. It benefits from a town bypass
constructed in 2004.
2.13 There has been a settlement at Selby since Roman times and the
founding of The Abbey, due to its wealth and its position as lords of
the manor of Selby, promoted the town’s economic and physical
growth, shaping it into a well-developed regional centre and market
town, and small inland port.
2.14 The Abbey defines the present layout of the town centre, with the
Market Place located directly outside the entrance to the Abbey
and Micklegate probably the main manufacturing focus of the town.
2.15 The port of Selby developed to serve wool industries of West
Yorkshire and the rise of the cotton industry, as well as being
known for ship building. The opening of the canal and the Leeds to
Selby turnpike road and the first toll bridge over the Ouse improved
communications by land, making Selby a significant port for people
as well as goods. The construction of rail lines to Leeds and Hull
and becoming part of the north-east mainline meant the economy
remained buoyant. By the mid to late 20 th century traditional
industries within the town were in decline and recent decades have
seen the closure of the final ship yard.
2.16 The legacy of this age defines the present town as much as its
medieval street layout. The majority of its historic and listed
buildings and the conservation areas date from this period.
2.17 The town is finding a new commercial and residential focus as well
as the opening of shopping precincts within the town centre. There
are a number of key employers in the town and visitors are
attracted by the Abbey, markets, leisure centre and the traditional
town park.
2.18 Recent high quality environmental improvements in the town
through the Renaissance Programmes, for example in the Market
Place and along the historic waterfront have added to the existing
high quality of the town which is already attracting new economic
investment. Selby town supports around 6000 jobs.
Tadcaster
2.19 The ancient market town of Tadcaster (with just over 6000
population) is situated on the River Wharfe between Leeds (15
miles to the west) and York (10 miles to the east), on the A659 and
bypassed by the A64.
2.20 Originally named Calcaria (place of limestone) by the Romans, it
was initially a small settlement, serving as a resting place for
travellers and a staging post on the London to York road. It is
surrounded by attractive rolling countryside and is the local service
hub for its surrounding communities. The market in the town was
initiated in 1270 and is held every Thursday in the Social Club car
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