It seems that the promised report on the care village plans for the Lowfields school site will not be available until at least May. That is despite the Council web site continuing to display a briefing promising the release of key facts this month (see right).

That is now impossible as deadlines for officer reports have passed.

Consultation with local residents was promised last year. So far only basic layout plans have been released. This showed two 45 bed care homes and 21 bungalows. All were located on the “footprint” of the old school buildings and playgrounds. This is about 6 acres of land with the remaining playing fields accounting for a further 7 acres.

While we know that most local residents support the care village plans, many have responded to surveys indicating that they wanted to retain open space on the site while several mentioned the need for new facilities such as communal allotments (there is a waiting list for allotments in the area).

It is possible that the final plans will have a higher density and mix of bungalows and assisted living housing for older people on the site whilst also retaining a village feel with open space etc. The accommodation could include affordable housing and a social hub for the village that local people could also use.

The current timetable is to complete any tendering and planning work and award contracts during 2012.
Building would start on site early in 2013. Completion is expected in April 2014.

Details of next Monday’s meeting, which will review the decision to scrap the cycle lane in Water End, have been published. They can be found on the Council web page by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/call-in-water-end

The agenda for the special Council meeting, which will consider saving the Beckfield Lane recycling centre, has also been published. It can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/Beckfield-Special

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 24th April in the Guildhall commencing at 6:30pm

Following a number of two-in-one burglaries around the county, North Yorkshire Police are warning residents to be vigilant.

A two-in-one burglary occurs when criminals break into your home with the intention of taking the keys to your car so they can steal it.

Taking some simple crime prevention measures can deter thieves from targeting your homes and vehicles.

High-performance vehicles tend to be targeted, but if criminals spot an opportunity any vehicle is under threat of being stolen.

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As part of the York 800 celebrations, the University of York are offering a range of one-off learning events exploring the history and heritage of the city. July the 9th 2012 sees the 800th anniversary of York becoming a self-governing city. Back in 1212, King John signed the charter which allowed the people of York to collect and pay the annual tax to the Crown, hold their own courts and to appoint a mayor – but how much do you know about the city and its unique history and heritage? All of these sessions, offered in collaboration by the Centre for Lifelong Learning, and York Mansion House, are aimed at adult learners and will be held at key heritage sites around the city.

More details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/York800-Uni
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There are lots of summer fair’s planned for York’s parks and open spaces this year! With lots of great activities to try and things to see and free entry too!

Hob Moor
Saturday 26th May 1:00pm – 3:30pm

West Bank Park
Sunday 24th June 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Rowntree Park
Saturday 14th July 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Hull Road Park
Saturday 11th August 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Acomb Green
Saturday 25th August 1:00pm – 3:30pm

For more information contact: Tel: (01904) 553392 email: parks@york.gov.uk
http://www.york.gov.uk/environment/Parks_and_open_spaces

Agent details click to enlarge

The former care home premises at 76 The Green, Acomb have finally been put on the market. They have been empty for over 2 years following a decision by the then lease holders to move their operations to a purpose design property in the Boroughbridge Road area.

It seems unlikely that the building will find a buyer for use as a care home as regulations have changed and the current layout would not meet modern day standards.

Although there has been talk of turning it into a hotel, a return to residential use seems more likely. The building might get planning permission for a change of use into apartments. It currently has 27 bedrooms. Another option would be conversion into offices but, given the residential location, this might be less likely to get planning permission.

Some years ago developers were understood to be interested in acquiring the 0.6 acre site, with a view to demolishing the buildings and putting in half a dozen new homes, but the property market is much quieter these days so that may be less likely now.

Unconditional bids for the property have to be with the Agents (GVA) by 19th April

The school on Trafalgar Street is set to expand with the erection of a school hall, first floor and two storey extension to south wing to create extra classrooms, and single storey reception, cloakroom and toilet extensions.

The school intends to increase the number of pupils from 260-420 over the next 3 years. To accommodate the extra capacity it is proposed to reconfigure the internal layout and planning permission is sought for the following extensions:-
• Single storey flat roof extension to provide w/c and cloakrooms at the end of the west wing (by Lorne Street entrance).
• New main hall to the east side of the south wing (between the school and the cottage which faces Campleshon Road).
• An extension at the end of the south wing, to provide 2 further classrooms at ground floor level and 2 within the roof void.
• Single storey extension to main entrance and new heads office.
• The temporary classrooms currently on site would be relocated to the main school playground and removed when the works are completed.

The facilities within the school (learning resources, new hall and sports facilities) will be available for community use.

An additional 7 full time members of staff are expected to be employed as a result of the School’s expansion making 32 in total.

Thursday’s Planning committee is being recommended to remove a Planning Condition, on a Millfield Lane club house in Nether Poppleton, which restricts it to a football related use only.

The removal of the condition would allow other activities such as fitness classes, seminars and meetings (max 40 persons), art classes, craft classes, weight watchers, chess and dominoes, children’s fitness classes, bingo, beetle drives, afternoon tea dances, baby ballet and signing groups and other baby activities, and children’s parties.

Officers report that many of these activities are already taking place.

Claims are being made that the Beckfield Lane recycling centre will remain open at least until the special Council meeting which is taking place on Tuesday 24th April (6:30pm Guildhall).

The meeting has been called specifically to debate the continuation of the facility.

However the Council’s web site is still showing that the site will close on 16th April.

If reprieved, the centre will continue with its normal summer opening hours for a couple more weeks at least.

The opening hours are:

Monday to Friday 5.00pm to 7.00pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10.00am to 2.00pm