York Council shelves Castle/Piccadilly report

The York Council has withdrawn from its meeting schedules a report on the future of the Castle/Piccadilly area.

Castle short stay car park

Castle short stay car park with Piccadilly beyond

Now dubbed as the “Southern Gateway“, the report had been scheduled for consideration in September.

The delay is the latest in a series of setbacks for the 15 year old redevelopment scheme.

Summer events programme for young people shining in York

Shine logo

Shine is an exciting programme of events aimed at five to 18 year olds which runs thanks to a large number of organisers including the council, sports organisations, independent activity providers and local attractions. Many of the activities are free and booking in advance is not always necessary, offering a boredom-free summer throughout the city!

This year Shine includes over 190 different activities throughout the summer, offering all the favourite arts, sports, play sessions, parks and libraries activities.

  • Some of the more unusual events include designing a remote controlled robot or a joystick game and those with a sense of adventure can enjoy activities such as kayaking, outdoor climbing, wild camping and bushcraft skills.
  • Theatre, art, mosaics, dance, sewing and junk drumming with Trashbang are some of the arts activities helping to develop young creative skills, whilst sports activities from Total Sports,
  • York Knights Foundation and City of York Athletics are keeping fitness levels up throughout the summer.
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Better Homes opens door to 44 per cent higher energy efficiency and 31 per cent lower bills

Energy improvements that have improved a York home’s energy efficiency rating by 44 per cent and cut heating and hot water costs by 31 per cent, will be on show on 18 August.

energy-efficient-homes-diagramthis-is-redcar-cleveland-your-home-zxa0ifdpBetter Homes York, in partnership with City of York Council, will hold an open day at the programme’s demonstration home between 10:00 and 13:00hrs.

The property at Carnot Street, York is a mid-terrace house which, before a programme of Government-funded improvements, lacked adequate insulation or heating. Its previous tenants had complained that it was cold, damp and expensive to heat.

The show home was selected following a call to all of the city’s private landlords registered on the council’s YorHome scheme. The council allocated funding from Better Homes York and installed internal wall insulation and fitted a new gas central heating system. Because of its solid wall construction, the house’s insulation is fitted to the inside of the wall and so doesn’t affect the house’s external appearance. The house also had rising damp which made its heating inefficient and expensive. Following damp treatment, a type of insulation for the rooms downstairs was chosen which allows the walls to breathe and dry naturally.

The work has increased the house’s energy efficiency rating by 44 per cent and decreased the expected heating and hot water costs by 31 per cent.
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Latest planning application for the Acomb and Westfield Wards

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

Acomb

Location:       86 Jute Road York YO26 5EW

Proposal:       Change of use from dwelling (use class C3) to House of Multiple Occupation (use class C4) (retrospective)

Ref No: 15/01588/FUL

Applicant:      Mrs Liliya Hamayun      Consultation Expiry Date:       7 September 2015 Case Officer:   David Johnson   Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       Greggs 5 Odsal House Front Street York YO24 3BL

Proposal:       Change of use from shop (use class A1) to cafe (use class A3)

Ref No: 15/01388/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Michael Howard       Contact Mr Max Reeves   Consultation Expiry Date        7 September 2015 Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       Lidl Thanet Road York YO24 4P

Proposal:       Display of 2no. freestanding hoarding signs

Ref No: 15/01646/ADV

Applicant:      Mr James Hanna  Consultation Expiry Date        7 September 2015 Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

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 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

JORVIK medieval festival

medfest-red-with-gold

archery-med-fest_229x344Date: Wed 19 Aug – Mon 31 Aug
Time: Various
Venue: Across York and Yorkshire
Cost: Vary per event

JORVIK Medieval Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire’s rich medieval heritage, with a series of special events on offer throughout the summer, there is something for everyone.  

Organised by The JORVIK Group, creators of the famous JORVIK Viking Festival, The JORVIK Medieval Festival offers visitors a wide range of events and activities for all the family to enjoy. 

 Try your hand as an eagle-eyed archer, discover mighty birds of prey with falconry demonstrations, see brave knights battle in thrilling re-enactments and spend the day in some of Yorkshire’s most idyllic settings.   

With an exciting programme of events and activities on offer; from interesting talks and lectures on subjects from battle wounds inflicted in the Middle Ages, to the re-discovery of Richard III, to family-friendly including ‘Medieval Merriment’ at the atmospheric Knaresbourgh Castle and the historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, as well as our themed ‘Little Diggers’ sessions at DIG you are sure to find something to keep you entertained this August.  

Discover all the events on offer at www.jorvikmedievalfestival.com

Church Explorers!

We’ve also teamed up with over 20 churches across Yorkshire for our ‘Church Explorers!’ programme, where you and your family are invited to discover the hidden medieval histories of some of God’s Own County’s most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings. With each church organising their own special event, with crafting opportunities, guided tours and local refreshments you are sure to have a unique experience at each venue.

Explore the Churches Involved (http://www.jorvikmedievalfestival.com/about/churchexplorers/)

For the latest news and events on JORVIK Medieval Festival sign up to our eNewsletter and follow the action on Twitter using the hashtag #JORVIKMedFest

Pedal to past – Wed 19 Aug

bike-oldJoin a led bike ride to sites associated with York’s public transport heritage.

The ride leader will provide an historical commentary at each site.

Distance : 7 miles, allow 2.5 hours.

How do I take part?

No need to book for this ride hosted by the council.  When attending a ride for the first time, please arrive 15 minutes early to introduce yourself to the ride leader and register on the ride.  All riders are asked to complete a health questionnaire.  No unaccompanied children under 16 years. If you’re bringing children aged less than 8 years please contact Gillian prior to joining the ride

What do I need to bring?

You need a roadworthy bike, a pump, a spare inner tube and a lock. Take lights if you think you will need them. Bring food and drink as required.  Please wear clothes and footwear suited to the weather conditions on the day.

Contact information:
Gillian Chefrad, Active Living Officer.
Sport and Active Leisure, City of York Council,
West Offices, Station Rise, YORK  YO1 6GA

T:  01904 553377 E:  gillian.chefrad@york.gov.uk W: www.york.gov.uk/cyclerides   /  www.itravelyork.info/cycling