Shake up in York open space contributions

It seems likely that there will be more openness in future about how money contributed by developers for public space improvements is used.

A report to a meeting taking place next week proposes that a list of monies available will be updated on the Councils web site each month.

This is a welcome proposal.

The Town and Country Planning Acts created the ability for Local Authorities to seek a payment from developers in lieu of providing children’s play space, amenity space and sports pitches within new housing developments. This is commonly known as a s.106 payment.

How the payments are used has been shrouded in secrecy for years. In the past some were even syphoned off to help private member’s sports clubs.

One area of concern is the threat that local public spaces will have lower maintenance standards in future. This concern is likely to be heightened by a reference in the new policy that the S106 funds will be concentrated on “the development of more ward based green space maintenance and care”.

Land near Acomb Library which could be improved. Click to enlarge

If the Council hopes that local residents will clean and maintain large public opens spaces, then they are kidding themselves.

The proposed policy also fails to identify the opportunity to acquire additional pieces of land for informal recreation. There are opportunities near the Westfield area which could see land – currently used for grazing – acquired for informal leisure use.

One idea is the establishment of a “country park”

The only likely significant redevelopment in the area – the former Lowfields school site – would also provide an opportunity to improve the adjacent playing fields. Similarly, the landlocked waste land to the side of the library on Front Street could be grassed over and used as a garden area.

But both require the York Council to start to actively manage its assets

NB. Section 106 payments are generally made where there is an existing or identified shortfall arising from a proposed development and it is not practical or desirable to have open space within a development (for example where developments are for individual or a small number of dwellings or where there is existing open space nearby which could be improved to accommodate the additional use from new residents). Payment is based on an approved formula related to the number of new bedrooms within the development.

First post flood test for planning committee

The City’s planning committee will consider an application tomorrow (Thursday) for a site immediately adjacent to the River Foss in Layerthorpe

The is being asked to approve the construction of a 5 storey 128-bedroom hotel which will include a drive through restaurant at ground floor level.

If approved, the plan will also include the completion of the James Street/Heworth Green link road.

It is proposed to continue the river walkway along the Foss which has been established alongside recent development to the north.

The application is the first to be considered in Flood Zone 3 since the major flooding of the river Foss on 27^th December. No detailed appraisal is made of any revised flooding threat as a result of the problems experienced then (it is possible that the officer report was written before the flooding occurred).

Planning permission was given for a similar development in 2012 but the new application moves the buildings further away from the theoretical blast zone of the remaining gas holder.

The application is recommended for approval

Back to the future for English Heritage Clifford’s Tower visitor centre

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut - Colonnade 1458 BC

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings – 1458 BC

Temple of English Heritage. Clifford’s Tower visitor centre 2016 AD

Presumably the proposed visitor centre at Clifford’s Tower is another idea from that part of English Heritage which, a few years ago, thought putting a flagpole on top of the tower – on which to fly their corporate logo – was a good idea!

Latest planning applications for the Acomb and Westfield Wards

Small extension to Energise Crèche proposed. Front Street shop to become café with flat above

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

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

Acomb

Location: 4 Jorvik Close York YO26 5HD

Proposal: Erection of two storey dwelling following demolition of single storey side extension

Ref No: 15/02825/FUL

Applicant: Mr & Mrs George & Karen Tindall & Peacock Contact: Mr Iain Robinson Consultation Expiry Date: 8 February 2016 Case Officer: Kevin O’Connell Expected Decision Level: DEL

————–

Westfield

Location: 1 Acomb Court Front Street York YO24 3BJ

Acomb Court application click to enlarge

The café replaces a gift shop. The flat replaces (empty) offices.

Proposal: Change of use from shop (use class A1) to cafe (use class A3) and change of use of first floor from office (use class B1) to residential flat (use class C3)

Ref No: 15/02949/FUL

Applicant: Mrs Chang Hsin Chih Consultation Expiry Date 8 February 2016 Case Officer: Victoria Bell Expected Decision Level DEL

——

Location: Energise Cornlands Road York YO24 3DX

Energise application click to enlarge

Small 37 sq mtr extension to the crèche at front of building

Proposal: Single storey front extension

Ref No: 16/00008/GRG3

Applicant: City Of York Council Contact Property Services CYC Consultation Expiry Date 8 February 2016 Case Officer: Elizabeth Potter Expected Decision Level COMM

——–

Location: 95 Queenswood Grove York YO24 4PN

Proposal: Two storey side and rear extensions and single storey rear extension

Ref No: 16/00024/FUL

Applicant: Mr Neil Massam Contact Mr Bob Marks Consultation Expiry Date 8 February 2016 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

——–

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

York Central – consultation meeting dates

Have your say on York Central proposals

York central land ownership. Yellow -Network Rail, Purple – Railway Museum, Red – York Council taxpayers

Residents and businesses are invited to have their say on the future of York’s largest brownfield site from this month.

Plans were unveiled last month by City of York Council, Network Rail and the National Railway Museum (NRM), to consult with residents and businesses on what has been labelled as the King’s Cross of the North.
Consultation will take place between Monday 18 January and Monday 15 February, via:

Drop-in sessions, at:

• West Offices: Station Rise, Thursday 21 January 10am – 4pm
• National Railway Museum: Saturday 30 January 10am – 4pm
• Holgate and Micklegate joint ward committee: Tuesday 19 January St Paul’s Church, Holgate Road, 6-8pm
• York Railway Station: Wednesday 3 February 4pm – 7pm
• Public Exhibition: West Offices, Station Rise. Throughout the duration of the consultation period.

Online at: www.york.gov.uk/consultations

Printed copies of the consultation document and questionnaire are also available at West Offices, Hazel Court and all York Libraries and Explore Centres.

Over the past 12-months, the council has been working in collaboration with Network Rail, the NRM and the Homes and Communities Agency towards a high level masterplan of York Central – a 72 hectare site located in the heart of the city.

The city’s new vision could provide up to 120,000 sq m of high-quality office space, creating up to 7,000 new jobs, a new residential community for up to 2,500 new homes, with opportunities to expand and enhance the National Railway Museum, make improvements to the railway station and create a network of vibrant public squares, green spaces and routes linking to surrounding neighbourhoods.
(more…)

Latest planning applications for the Acomb and Westfield Wards

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

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

Acomb

Location: 3 Smeaton Grove York YO26 5QG

Proposal: Two storey side and rear extension

Ref No: 15/02850/FUL

Applicant: Mr Mark Mason Consultation Expiry Date: 25 January 2016 Case Officer: Elizabeth Potter Expected Decision Level: DEL

—–

Location: 32 Carr Lane York YO26 5HX

Proposal: Variation of condition 1 of permitted application 15/00223/FUL to alter external appearance of dwelling including eaves detail, external materials, light wells and window to north elevation, also removal of conditions 3 (materials), 6 (drainage) and 11 (means of enclosure to northern boundary)

Ref No: 15/02844/FUL

Applicant: Mr Mark Smith Contact: David Chapman Consultation Expiry Date: 25 January 2016 Case Officer: Victoria Bell Expected Decision Level: DEL

————–

Westfield

Location: 2 Oldman Court York YO24 3NA

Proposal: Change of use of dwellinghouse (use class C3) to a house in multiple occupation (use class C4)

Ref No: 15/02558/FUL

Applicant: Mr Wayne Leighton Contact Mr Chris Long Consultation Expiry Date 25 January 2016 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

————-

Location: 22 Dijon Avenue York YO24 3DD

Proposal: Single storey side and front extension

Ref No: 15/02821/FUL

Applicant: Mr Jamie Agnew Contact Mr Keith England Consultation Expiry Date 25 January 2016 Case Officer: Elizabeth Potter Expected Decision Level DEL

——–

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

Latest planning applications for the Acomb and Westfield Wards

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

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

Acomb

Location: 9 Prestwick Court York YO26 5RS

Proposal: Single storey rear extension and conversion of garage into habitable room (resubmission)

Ref No: 15/02736/FUL

Applicant: Ms Angela Smith Contact: Mr Andy Hollings Consultation Expiry Date: 4 January 2016 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level: DEL

——–

Location: 17 Old School Walk York YO26 5TF

Proposal: Crown reduce Silver Birch tree by 3.5m protected by Tree Preservation Order No.: CYC209

Ref No: 15/02797/TPO

Applicant: Mrs Rachel Pipe Contact: Mr Martin Schofield Case Officer: Esther Priestley Expected Decision Level:

————–

Westfield

Location: 8 Stirrup Close York YO24 3LU

Proposal: Single storey front, side and rear extension

Ref No: 15/02745/FUL

Applicant: Mr Chris Bell Contact M T S Architectural Services Consultation Expiry Date 4 January 2016 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

———

Location: 2 Barkston Close York YO26 5AX

Proposal: Single storey front and side extension (revision to approval 15/00667/FUL )

Ref No: 15/02770/FUL

Applicant: Mr A Sutcliffe Contact Mr Mike Punchard Consultation Expiry Date 4 January 2016 Case Officer: Elizabeth Potter Expected Decision Level DEL

——–

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

York Central development site – consultation starts

Taxpayers asked to provide £10 million subsidy for development

Papers released by the Council today suggest that York taxpayers will still be expected to contribute £10 million towards the development of the York Central site.

Enterprise Zone boundary

The expectation had been that this funding – provisionally allocated to fund an access bridge from Holgate Road by the last Council – would not now be required. The site has now got Enterprise Zone status and also has financial support from the Homes and Communities Agency

Instead, a separate delivery company would set up to fund all infrastructure work. In turn this company would recover its investment from the uplift in the value of the site (currently estimated at £623 million)

Officials are reporting that the Council has already committed £1/2 million to the scheme and are asking for a further £250,000 to fund the administration of the project. The Council could only fund initial infrastructure investment from borrowing leaving taxpayers with an annual bill of nearly £1 million a year. It could be decades before any return on the investment benefited local residents.

At the moment all the risk – from what is a complicated project – seems to be falling on York taxpayers

The York Council has only a very small land holding in the area at present although it is seeking compulsory purchase powers to acquire the UNIPART site.

York central land ownership. Yellow -Network Rail, Purple – Railway Museum, Red – York Council taxpayers

(more…)

Latest planning applications for the Acomb & Westfield Wards

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

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

Acomb

Location: 2 Lochrin Place York YO26 5QL

Proposal: Single storey rear extension and conversion of garage into habitable room

Ref No: 15/02595/FUL

Applicant: Ms Johnson Contact: Mr Philip Thompson Consultation Expiry Date: 28 December 2015 Case Officer: Elizabeth Potter Expected Decision Level: DEL

——

Location: 2 Church Gate York YO26 5BW

Proposal: Single storey rear extension and formation of rear patio with walls and bin store to front

Ref No: 15/02685/FUL

Applicant: Mr And Mrs Barnes Contact: Mr Paul Butler Consultation Expiry Date: 28 December 2015 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:

————–

Westfield

Location: 177 Chapelfields Road York YO26 5AD

Proposal: Single storey rear extension (retrospective)

Ref No: 15/02462/FUL

Applicant: Mr Michael Mcfarland Consultation Expiry Date 28 December 2015 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

——–

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

York Councillors face climate change challenge

Officials want to reject a solar farm plan for Naburn Sewage works site

click

In a week where most nations have been in Paris coming to terms with the need to cut carbon emissions, York Councillors will have the opportunity to take a small step forward next week.

They are being asked to approve a plan which would see the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array in approximately 42 rows of solar panels known as strings, with associated infrastructure on a site adjacent to the Sewage Treatment Works (STW).

The planning application says, “Each string of panels would be mounted on a rack comprising poles pile-driven to a depth of approximately 1.5m, without the need for excavation. The panels would be mounted at around 0.8m from the ground at the lowest point at the southern edge rising to approximately 2.25m at the highest point, on the northern edge. Each string of panels would be between 3m and 7m apart. They would be tilted 22 to 35 degrees from the horizontal and orientated southwards”.

The facility would have a capacity to generate approximately 1.4megawatts peak. This energy would be used to directly provide power to the adjacent STW and would offset approximately 20-30% of the existing annual on-site demand. This equates to powering approximately 400 homes per annum with a saving of over 800 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

On the face of it, this would seem to be an easy win for the environment. The site is unsuitable for residential development because of the flood risk and the proximity of the sewage works.

It is unproductive land which is not cultivated.

The solar farm may not be a permanent feature for the site – technology moves on – and could easily be removed.

Officials are opposing the project on the grounds that the site is in the Green Belt and that the open views of the City (from the cycle track) may be adversely affected.

Given that the energy being produced by the farm will be used to power the sewage treatment works, many may conclude that this is a unique proposal which would not create a precedent for development in the Green Belt and that, in any event, the impact on “views” from the cycle track will be minimal

It will be interesting to see what conclusion the Council’s planning committee reaches next week.

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