Work has stared on a scheme which will see Deangate paved and the entrance to the south transept of the Minster improved.

The work forms part of the Minster Revealed project which has attracted financial support from both the National Lottery and the York Council.

During the works, access to Deangate will be limited and it is likely that cyclists will have to dismount and walk for a distance of about 25 metres.

The area is to be paved with a gradual ramp making access to the Minster south door much easier for those with walking problems.

The Minster will also unveil a new “Orb” next month.

This is described on their web site (http://www.yorkminster.org/home.html) as “an elliptical treasure-house, showcasing some of world’s most important stained-glass, medieval art”.

The event starts on 31st October as part of the Illuminating York project

It is a precursor to the opening of an exciting new permanent exhibition in the Minster Undercroft next May which will tell – using modern technology – the story of York’s most famous building.

The Council is advertising its preferred route for the Rufforth to Knapton cycle path.

Effectively it is trying to use existing rights of way to establish a Bridleway. This would allow cycles to use the route. The route passes to the north of the Harewood Whin waste disposal site.

However the route suggested, as well as being likely to attract objections from landowners, is approximately twice the length of a more direct, and flatter, route which could be established alongside the B1224.

The latter is the route which would have been facilitated by the land acquisition required to establish a salvage centre at Harewood Whin.

Another alternative, which would be quicker for cyclists wanting to access Acomb Front Street & York City Centre, would have been to use the Grange Lane/Airfield bridleway which was reopened a couple of years ago.

In all cases the main problem involves cyclists crossing the A1237 safely. The Councils preferred line uses the existing crossing point at Moor Lane (Knapton) which is less than perfect.

Whichever route is preferred, there is a strong case for installing a foot/cycle bridge (or underpass) to minimise risks at the northern by pass intersection.

Full details of the Council’s plans can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/Rufforth-cycle-path

Changes to the Ouseacres junction with Boroughbridge Road will go ahead although the final details of the plans are not being consulted on.

A private meeting took place on 11th September and considered objections to a new layout which is being funded by the developers of a nearby site.

The proposed works include –

• Widen the road on the outbound side of A59 Boroughbridge Road, opposite the Ouseacres junction, and amend the existing road markings to facilitate the introduction of a right turn lane at the junction.

• Extend the off-road cycle path by approximately 16m to allow cyclists to access the off-road facilities in advance of the junction.

• The alterations to the kerb line on the south side necessitate the relocation of one lighting column and a traffic signal duct, and alterations to three vehicular crossings.

Improvements to the off-road cycle facilities –

• Rationalisation of the existing arrangements to bring them in line with current standards, and to create a more easily understood and safer arrangement. The work comprises alterations to the tactile paving and resurfacing of the path, and improvements to the signing and markings.

One of the problems with the new secrecy culture surrounding the Guildhall is that only very limited consultation takes place.

In this case the 2 Acomb Labour Councillors failed to respond to requests for their views while other experienced Councillors were excluded from the process altogether.

Planning permission was granted at last nights Planning Committee meeting (20th Sept) for a range of developments in York. They included:

• An athletics track and a closed road racing cycle circuit – with ancillary parking, lighting and fencing – at the Sports Village on Hull Road

• The Water End Flood Alleviation Scheme which will provide additional protection for the Leeman Road area

• A reserved matters application for the Monks Cross 2 development covering appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the retail and restaurant part of the previously approved outline application site.

• Substitution of apartments for some of the housing units on the Hungate site and an extension of time before the development has to be completed

In addition minor changes were agreed for the Poppleton Park and Ride site and the “go ahead” was given for an extension to the “Creepy Crawlies” child care business at Clifton Gate Business Park.

Details of all the applications considered can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/York-Planning-20th-Sept-12