Knapton Lane development shock

Developers are advertising a drop in event at which they hope to gather support for the development of land on Knapton Lane.

Area of land being considered for development

The land lies on the outskirts of the current built up area and has been regarded as falling within the Green Belt.

Indigo Planning, are a town planning consultancy who say they are working on behalf of the owners of the land north of Knapton Lane (YO26 5PX).

In a local advert they say, “We would like to hear your views about the proposals for a residential development on the site and will be holding a drop-in event on Tuesday 30 June between2:30pm and 7:30pm at:

Acomb Parish Church Hall,
Front Street,
York,
YO24 3BX

You’ll also have an opportunity to speak with members of the team and ask them any questions you may have. The team will also be able to advise the proposed timelines for the development and the ways in which you may share your feedback.

We’ll be updating this website with all of the information from the event, so please check back after 30 June for more information. We’ll also be providing an online feedback form so that you can share your thoughts and views on the proposals”.

The proposal will come as a surprise to many residents.

The new Council has yet to revise the draft Local Plan and peripheral development like this is likely to be highly controversial.

Drowning prevention week – activities in York schools

Using the River Safety Resource pack launched this spring by City of York Council, schools have a wealth of information, ideas and contacts to hand to share the message that taking care near water can save lives.

Developed in consultation with the city’s multi-partner River Safety Group including Safer York Partnership, the Canal and River Trust and emergency services, the pack also supports the National Curriculum’s new requirements for building water safety and aquatic skills.

The council is working with Ebor Lifesaving Club to deliver water safety initiatives during and outside the Royal Lifesaving Society’s annual week of action. Primary schools and youth groups in York have approached the club or are using the packs themselves to raise awareness of the dangers that open water pose.
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Musical organisations and schools invited to bid for funds from York Music Hub

York Music Hub is launching its Commissioning Plan and inviting musical organisations in York to apply for funding of up to £2,000 each, and clusters of schools up to £4,000 each, to help support its vision for musical provision in the city.

The commissioning plan seeks to allocate up to £40,000 during the academic year 2015/2016 and commission musical services which help develop sustainable, high quality and diverse musical experiences for local children and young people.

Funding bids should also support the National Plan for Music Education and may reflect the needs and issues identified in research undertaken by York Music Hub in 2012 and York St.John University in 2014.

A wide variety of musical bids are expected which may, for example, develop a range of singing opportunities (particularly for boys), give opportunities for children to become involved in performing and specialist events, commission music specialists or develop opportunities for using music technology. (more…)

Young people wanted as police launch first cadet unit in York

North Yorkshire Police is recruiting young people for its first ever uniformed Volunteer Police Cadet Unit in York.

A pilot scheme is set to run for two years and is open to girls and boys aged 14 to 16 who live or study in or near York.

The scheme is being run in partnership with Askham Bryan College where cadet training sessions will take place on weekday evenings during school term.

Temporary Inspector Martin McLachlan who is leading the scheme, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people in the York area to do something different. The aim of the cadet scheme is to encourage a spirit of adventure, good citizenship and increase self-esteem and confidence. It will also help to promote a practical understanding of policing among young people and aims to inspire them to participate positively in their communities.

“It is open to anyone from any background, as long as they live or study in or near York. If the York pilot scheme is successful, it will pave the way for other units to open across North Yorkshire.

“It will be great fun and the cadets will meet new people and make new friends as well as learning skills for life. And, thanks to Askham Bryan College’s partnership with us, we will have great facilities in which to hold our cadet nights.”

The unit is set to open in September 2015 and after the first three months of initial training, cadets will take their oath at a passing out ceremony attended by family and friends.
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Bus service changes – more details emerging

More details, of the changes that First are making to their services from 2^nd August, are emerging.

The number 4 service will run to Heslington East via Tang Hall and Osbaldwick. (That seems to be a big change although a route map has not yet been published)

As previously reported the 13A is being scrapped with First only able to offer “dial and ride” as an alternative.

In Westfield the main changes are:

Service 1 – revised timetable Chapelfields – City Centre – Wigginton Revised timetables will be introduced, every day of the week, to improve reliability. From Chapelfields, the first and last buses each day will run five minutes earlier, every day of the week.

Service 4 – revised route and timetable Acomb – City Centre – University of York Between Acomb and the City Centre (Rougier Street) no changes will be made to the route. Between Rougier Street and Heslington East the route will change, with buses running via Tang Hall and Osbaldwick, replacing journeys on service 6. Buses will run every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime, every 20 minutes Sunday daytime and every 30 minutes every evening, with all evening journeys now serving Heslington East.

Service 12 – revised timetable Foxwood Lane – City Centre – Monks Cross A revised timetable will be introduced on Mondays to Saturdays. An earlier journey will be introduced on Mondays to Fridays at 0643 from Elmfield Avenue to Foxwood Lane. An addition evening peak journey will be introduced on Mondays to Fridays at 1751 from The Stonebow to Foxwood Lane.

Latest planning application for the Westfield Ward

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Acomb and Westfield wards.

Acomb

None

Westfield

Location: 1 Barkston Close York YO26 5AX

Proposal: Two storey side extension and porch extension to front

Ref No: 15/00934/FUL

Applicant: Mr And Mrs Pool Contact Mr Jake Clay Consultation Expiry Date 13 July 2015 Case Officer: Elizabeth Potter Expected Decision Level DEL

——

Location: 51 St Stephens Road York YO24 3EH

Proposal: Erection of shed to rear (retrospective)

Ref No: 15/01229/FUL

Applicant: Mr James Gumley Consultation Expiry Date 13 July 2015 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level

——————

Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site. http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received

Murder in the libraries

Tue 23 June: 7.00pm – 8.30pm : Dringhouses Library

Join local authors and members of York Authors Pauline Kirk (writing as PJ Quinn), Julian Cole, Edwin Thomas and Adrian Paul Fayter for an evening of chat about all things crime – what is its fascination, for York Authors, and for readers.

Tickets are £5 each and include refreshments.

Books will be available to buy at a discount.

Contact Dringhosues Library for further information and to reserve tickets on 01904 552674 or dringhouses@exploreyork.org.uk

Date: Thur 25 June
Time: 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Venue: York Explore Library
Cost: £2

Join our panel of crime authors to ponder the peculiar pleasures of crime fiction.

York commentary archive site