Not really sure what to think of this, the cynic in me suspects it's just a thinly veiled attempt by NYCC to get some form of justification for unilateral actions based on the views of a handful of wealthy land owners. Particularly the use of magistrates to make unilateral decisions.
Anyway, make your own mind up:
http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=18991