Coronavirus York updates; 14th February 2021

Deaths

Two further hospital deaths have been announced. They both occurred on Friday.

The COVID-19 hospital death rate continues to fall.

The (seven day rolling average) daily fatality rate reached 5.6 on 20th January 2021.This has now fallen back to 2.1.

COVID -19 patient bed occupancy has also halved during the same period, and is expected to fall further as the results of the vaccination programme continue to have an impact.

Hospital death rates are falling

Test Results

THIRTY positive test results announced. The cumulative total is now 11,572

The rate /100k population has fallen to 106.83

If the present trend continues, then the rate will fall below the significant 100 case benchmark tomorrow.

There has been a small increase in case numbers at regional (Yorkshire) level. The regional rate is now above the national average.

Neighbourhoods

Good news today as for the first time since 14th December 2020, no neighbourhoods have a case rate over 200.

THREE areas are now below the 50 case threshold

Vaccinations

The York Vaccination teams are now moving on to deal with the 60 -70 age groups.

Tests

4,793 PCR tests were carried out during the week ending 9th February 2021.

They had a positivity rate of 5.2%

583 lateral flow tests were carried out on 13th February

Significant changes to Lowfields Plans

Planning applications (see below) have been submitted which would see changes made to the Lowfields development. Many are relatively minor although some may cause concern for neighbours

Working hours

Saturday working until 3:00pm will be allowed on parts of the site. A Council official has already agreed to these changes which will permit work to continue on internal works, external paving and brick laying.

Officials say that the proposal is in line with government relaxations in the wake of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions.

The concession lasts until 2nd June 2021.

Proposed boundary arrangements
York Council Email
Boundaries

The perimeter railings are now to be retained. This proposal will be welcomed by many. The railings are generally in good condition and offer enhanced security protection.

Likely to be less welcome is a plan to install a 1.8 meter high closed boarded fence immediately behind the railings. While this may improve privacy, such arrangements have not proved to be successful elsewhere (Hob Stone, Cornlands Road/Redder Rad snicket).

The are maintenance problems for both sets of fences. Progress for mammals like hedgehogs is obstructed by close boarded fences, while an opportunity for compensatory planting is missed.

Undergrowth inevitably builds up between the two layers which is difficult to control.

We will be writing to the planning authorities to say that the inner fence should be replaced with screen planting, which would be better for both wildlife and for the environment.

Boundary treatments
Other changes

A complete list of changes is reproduced below.

The ridge and eves heights on the houses are being reduced while photovoltaic cells are being installed to generate power.

There still has been no statement from the Council about the future of the site reserved for “public buildings” or of the Yorspace communal living plots.

Latest planning applications for the Westfield Ward

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Westfield ward.

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference.

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Former Lowfield School Dijon Avenue York

Non-material amendment to permitted application 17/02428/FULM to change HT06 house from 2no. bedroom to 3no. bedroom, amend footprints and window sizes to brick dimensions, change materials and window locations on elevations, install roof mounted PV to apartments and 71no. dwellings, change masterplan setting out, reduce ridge and eave heights to all house types by 50 to 610mm, and change boundary treatments

Ref. No: 21/00205/NONMAT 

See separate article for details


Former Lowfield School Dijon Avenue York

Proposed extension of conditioned construction working hours to include Saturday 08.00-15.00.

Ref. No: 21/00097/S74B 

The Gatehouse 6 Westfield Farm Askham Lane York YO24 3HU

Single storey rear and side extensions, wall with railings to front

Ref. No: 21/00164/FUL 

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

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