The long running saga of the York Arts barge looks like it will take another twist next week when the Council’s Planning committee is being recommended to reject a proposal to moor the vessel next to Tower Gardens.
Council officials rightly point out that the barge would impact on the Conservation area affecting views of several historic buildings.
The plan has attracted many objections from residents (and a similar number from supporters) who fear both the visual intrusion of the barge and the possible anti-social implications of providing yet another venue serving alcohol in what is already a problem area.
Ironically the York Civic Trust, which should be advancing the case for conservation of the built environment, says it supports the plan! The same organisation recently came out in favour of the bizarre plan to use storage containers as the basis of a new development on Piccadilly. Its opposition to the visitor centre planned for Clifford’s Tower was also luke warm.
Proposed arts barge location
In the final analysis planning experts ask the very reasonable question why a new arts venue could not be accommodated in an existing building. There are several venues in the City which are under-used.
The controversy about the Arts Barge project started in the last decade when the, then Labour controlled, Council agreed to use taxpayer’s money to underwrite the project.
Fortunately, the current coalition run Council have been much more circumspect about risking taxpayer’s money.
The report on the proposal can be read by clicking here
