Newbury Avenue development layout. Click to enlarge

The York Council’s controversial plan to develop the garage area off Newbury Avenue has taken a step forward with layout plans having been published.

The plans show a 3 storey block, containing 9 flats, on the site.

The main criticism of the Councils plan had been its impact on the availability of parking spaces in the area, increased traffic, the dominating effect of an additional 3 storey building and its impact on the adjacent Hob Moor conservation area.

It now seems likely that the Council intends to hijack the private space to the rear of the existing blocks of flats on Newbury Avenue and Windsor Garth for joint use by the new tenants.

The plans do show an allocated parking space for each new flat although the provision for visitors is unclear. No measures to address the needs of drivers displaced from the garages have been announced.

On street parking space in the area is very limited. and the dropped kerb and layby provision programmes have both stalled recently.

A planning application is expected to be submitted and determined in May. Residents will be able to object to the proposals and are permitted to address the Planning Committee before a decision is made.

The issue has become more sensitive since the Council decided to approve the building of 55 houses on the site of the former Our Lady’s school.

Newbury Avenue development plans click to enlarge