Community Stadium not on agenda for next planning committee meeting

Confirmation that the Community Stadium project is slipping further behind schedule has come with the publication of the agenda for the Planning Committee scheduled to take place on 19th March.

Community Stadium Nov 2014

Community Stadium planned for Huntington

This was to have been the meeting at which that the proposals would have been considered.

The timescale for a July 2016 opening for the stadium always looked very tight given the controversial nature of the “enabling” retail development. The project subsequently was thrown into disarray when first the Highways Agency suspended the scheme and then a “war of words” broke out between Council officials and the Knights rugby club, who were to have been one of the major users of the Stadium.

 A date has been reserved in the Councils calendar for a meeting on 27th March but It now seems unlikely that the planning application will be determined before the new Council’s Planning Committee has its first meeting in June.

It looks increasingly likely that the new Councillors, who will be elected on 7th May, will have a can of worms to sort out.

The March Planning Committee will, however, consider some important issues

George Hudson Street student flats

The committee will consider a change of use from offices to student accommodation comprising of 58 self contained units with associated facilities including shop, cycle store, managers office, communal lounge, gym and laundry. A new shop front to the proposed entrance on the George Hudson Street elevation will be provided. The building is Listed.

Del Monte Site, Skelton

The committee will have a second go at approving a new 60 home development at this former factory site.

Naburn Lock caravan park

The committee are being asked to agree that this 100 pitch caravan park be allowed to open throughout the whole year

New teaching block at the University of York

Proposal to build a 13 metre high, 4240 sq metres floor area, teaching block on a site on Spring Lane previously occupied by staff housing

Housing development on Grain Store site, Water Lane

An application for approval of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of 215 new dwellings, following the grant of outline permission in 2012

Latest Planning applications for Acomb and Westfield Ward

Another empty space above a Front Street shop set to become a flat

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

Acomb

Location:       Macmillan House 60 York Road Acomb York YO24 4NW

Proposal:       Certificate of Lawful Development for existing use as 17no. self-contained flats within the C3(a) use class

Ref No: 15/00281/CLU

Applicant:      Mr Lindsay Judson  Contact:        Harland And Co Solicitors     Consultation Expiry Date:       30 March 2015 Case Officer:   Heather Fairy   Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       Co-Op Travel 47 York Road Acomb York YO24 4LN

Proposal:       Change of use of first floor from office (use Class A1) to flat (use Class C3)

Ref No: 15/00238/FUL

Applicant:      DPSK Ltd      Contact Mr Ben Cook     Consultation Expiry Date        30 March 2015 Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       36 Queenswood Grove York YO24 4PP

Proposal:       Two storey side and single storey rear extensions

Ref No: 15/00395/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Andrew Davis Contact Mr Malcolm Scott        Consultation Expiry Date        30 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth 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.

Latest Planning applications for Acomb and Westfield Wards

Boyes plan lift in new Front Street store

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

Acomb

Location:       32 Carr Lane York YO26 5HX

Proposal:       Erection of a two storey dwelling incorporating a basement following the demolition of the existing garages (amended scheme)

Ref No: 15/00223/FUL

Applicant:      Mr M Smith     Contact:        Mr David Chapman     Consultation Expiry Date:       24 March 2015 Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Location:       40 Cranbrook Road York YO26 5JA

Proposal:       Two storey side extension

Ref No: 15/00310/FUL

Applicant:      Mrs Yvonne Didlick     Contact:        Mr John Dougal  Consultation Expiry Date:       24 March 2015 Case Officer:   David Johnson   Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       11 Front Street York YO24 3BW

Proposal:       Erection of lift shaft roof and blocking of first floor window on west elevation

Ref No: 15/00221/FUL

Applicant:      W Boyes & Co Ltd        Contact R. Peter Belt   Consultation Expiry Date        24 March 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.

York population growth projections cut again

The latest population projections published by the government show a lower than expected increase in the City’s population in the period up to 2037.

Big City or Our City

The City’s population is now expected to grow from 195,000 in 2014,  to 214,000 in 2030 (the end date of the draft Local Plan).

This represents a growth of 19,000 producing an annual average increase of 1266.

This converts into a demand for an additional 575 homes per year (at an occupancy level of 2.2 persons per home).

This is the figure that the Council used when it published its first Draft Local Plan in February 2011.

This is less than half the figure kicked about by Labour when they issued their projection figures in 2012.  Their “Big City” expansion plans produced outrage across the City and eventually led, in the autumn of last year, to the draft Local Plan being rejected by the newly balanced Council.

The City would be able to identify sites for 600 homes each year on land which already has planning permission and/or which is brownfield (previously developed) land.

There is no justification for building on Green Belt land.

It is unlikely now that a new Draft Local Plan will be agreed before the Council elections take place on May 7th.

7 flats proposed for empty storage space above Front Street shops

Latest Planning applications 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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Acomb

None

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Westfield

1 - 9 Front Street

1 – 9 Front Street

Location:       1 – 9 Front Street York

Proposal:       Conversion of vacant first floor retail space to 7 apartments with external alterations including replacement windows, cladding and rear entrance

click to access

click to access

Site location map click to access

Site location map click to access

Ref No: 15/00178/FUL

Applicant:      Mr John Skelton  Contact Mr Dean Starkey  Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

This is the block next to the new Boyes store which is currently being renovated.  The plan to provide more homes linked to the reuse of empty space will be welcomed by many, and would make a contribution to our Acomb regeneration project.

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Location:       All Wrapped Up 9 Front Street York YO24 3BW

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

Ref No: 15/00067/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Simon Ryde   Contact Mr Dean Starkey Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015  Case Officer:   Victoria Bell   Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       17 The Gallops York YO24 3NF

Proposal:       Erection of boundary fence

Ref No: 15/00180/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Ian Wright   Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Sandra Duffill  Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       2 Otterwood Bank York YO24 3JS

Proposal:       Single storey side extension and conversion of garage to habitable room

Ref No: 15/00189/FUL

Applicant:      Mrs C Leach     Contact Mr Paul Butler  Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Sandra Duffill  Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       3 Osprey Close York YO24 2YE

Proposal:       Crown reduce by 2m to Shape Oak Tree protected by Tree Preservation Order No.: 26

Ref No: 15/00332/TPO

Applicant:      Mr Tony Fairburn        Contact Mr David Gregory        Consultation Expiry Date        16 March 2015 Case Officer:   Esther Priestley        Expected Decision Level

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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/

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

Latest Planning applications 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

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Acomb

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Location:       5 Norman Drive York YO26 5QU

Proposal:       Single storey rear extension

Ref No: 15/00181/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Andy Sykes   Contact:        Mr Andy Sykes   Consultation Expiry Date:       6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       9 Branton Place York YO26 5BQ

Proposal:       Single storey side and rear extensions

Ref No: 15/00122/FUL

Applicant:      Mr & Mrs Burn   Contact Chris Lawson    Consultation Expiry Date        6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       193 Gale Lane York YO24 3AH

Proposal:       Dropped kerb to front

Ref No: 15/00208/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Roger Curry  Consultation Expiry Date        6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       2 Meeting House Lane Acomb York YO26 5FD

Proposal:       Fell 7 Poplar Trees; crown prune Holly in a Conservation Area

Ref No: 15/00212/TCA

Applicant:      Mr J Reece   Contact Mr Malcolm Waller       Consultation Expiry Date        6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Esther Priestley        Expected Decision Level

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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/

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

Latest Planning applications Acomb and 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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Acomb

Location:       Papa John’s Pizza 54 York Road Acomb York YO24 4LZ

Proposal:       Display of 1no. external fascia and 1no. external hanging signs

Ref No: 15/00079/ADV

Applicant:      Mr Stephen Russell      Contact:        Mrs Michelle Crossley   Consultation Expiry Date:       2 March 2015 Case Officer:   Sharon Jackson  Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Location:       71 Danebury Drive York YO26 5EJ

Proposal:       Single storey side extension

Ref No: 15/00118/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Stuart Walters      Contact:        Mr Paul Martin  Consultation Expiry Date:       2 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       55 Foxwood Lane York YO24 3LQ

Proposal:       Variation of condition 2 of permitted application 07/02498/REM to amend approved landscaping scheme

Ref No: 14/02676/REM

Applicant:      Foxwood Properties Ltd  Contact Mr Jake Stentiford      Consultation Expiry Date        2 March 2015 Case Officer:   Sharon Jackson  Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       75 Gale Lane York YO24 3AD

Proposal:       Hip to gable side roof extension including rear dormer and single storey rear extensions

Ref No: 14/02689/FUL

Applicant:      Mr John Weldon  Contact Mr Neil Conway  Consultation Expiry Date        2 March 2015 Case Officer:   Neil Massey     Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       39A York Road Acomb York YO24 4LW

Proposal:       Display of internally illuminated collar around proposed ATM

Ref No: 15/00048/ADV

Applicant:      Bank Of Ireland  Contact Mrs Gillian Bentley     Consultation Expiry Date        2 March 2015 Case Officer:   Sharon Jackson  Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       107 Bellhouse Way York YO24 3LW

Proposal:       Erection of dwelling to side of 107 Bellhouse Way (amended scheme)

Ref No: 15/00158/FUL

Applicant:      Miss Carolyn Rennie     Contact Kevin Bristowe  Consultation Expiry Date        2 March 2015 Case Officer:   Hannah Blackburn        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/

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

Labour Councillor misled residents on Local Plan housing demand

Call to end Cabinet system “dictatorship”

Stories in the media today confirm what many have suspected for some time.

Big City Our City logot

 Labour’s “Big City” Local Plan exaggerated the demand for new housing in York.

In publishing a consultation document last year, they claimed that 850 additional home per year were justified by central government population growth estimates.

It turns out that the figure was known to be 750, with the prospect that it will be scaled down further as more recent trends are confirmed.

The lower figures make a major difference to the amount of land required for development, and taken with the surge in brownfield planning applications over the last 2 years (on sites that were not identified for housing in the draft Local Plan),  it means that there is even less justification for building on Green Belt sites.

The only realistic plan which preserves the character, scale and setting of the City was that published in February 2011. Liberal Democrats had previously identified brownfield sites on which over 12,000 new homes could be built in York

Mystery over commercial web site deepens

With a web address only registered in January ( http://www.loveyorkletsplan.co.uk/ ), the new site slavishly promotes out of date figures (and thinking). It claims to be independent but the funding for the organisation is unclear. Some commentators have suggested that it is simply a front for commercial developers – particularly those with an interest in the 4000 home development planned for Rawcliffe/Skelton.

Debate is healthy but any site which promotes a particular political view should be transparent. The names of the sponsors would be clear, particularly in the run up to elections when partisan comments are subject to legal controls.

The web site makes the mistake of implying that “at least 850” additional homes need to be built each year. It also claims incorrectly that only 5000 brownfield housing sites are available in York. Neither is true (see above)

End cabinet member dictatorship

The latest revelation, that figures were misrepresented by a Cabinet member, has renewed calls for the present decision taking system to be scrapped.  Labour enjoyed the support of only 40% of those voting in the 2011 Council elections, yet were able to form a Cabinet which exercised widespread delegated powers. Inexperience and the elixir of power quickly turned the Council into a dictatorship with many local residents views being publicly reviled. 

We have seen how absolute power corrupts with examples in both Rotherham and Redcar this week.  Labour in York may be on the same slippery slope. Only defections and a by elections defeat have recently forced them to show some humility.

There can be no way back for the Executive/Cabinet system, irrespective of whom wins the Council elections in May.

The tried and trusted committee system – jettisoned by the York Council in 1997 – needs to be brought back albeit with some refinements.

The traditional system involves all members of the Council – irrespective of party – in decision taking. It promotes debate before decisions are taken. Modern technology can be used to inject some timely public participation into York’s decision taking process.

Hopefully a new national government will allow Councils to use a system of proportional presentation in local elections, where residents want it. Such a system guarantees that all parties (and viewpoints) are represented on a local Council……  and that would be healthy for democracy and may prompt a higher turnout in local elections.

Labour members rile against MP selection process

One Labour member has lifted the veil on how the UNITE trades union is trying to parachute its preferred candidate into the York Central constituency candidate vacancy. As we have said before, this is a matter for the dwindling number of Labour supporters to sort out. Electors will, however, be expecting to select from a list where serious candidates can demonstrate a real interest in the City over an extended period of time.

Broken rose

The controversy does, however, reinforce how institutions like trades unions do seek to impose their sectional views on political parties and, through them, local residents.

Many Labour Councillors in York admit trades union sponsorship in their declarations of interests?

According to a response to a recent Freedom of Information request, of the 6255 staff employed by the York Council, 1780 are members of trades unions.

 There are 5 staff who spend at least half their time of trade’s union activities.

 The total cost to York Council Taxpayer of trades union activates is £138, 401 pa.

£33,000 is spent on office costs

Latest planning applications Acomb and 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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Acomb

None

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Westfield

Location:       48 Kingsway West York YO24 4QB

Proposal:       Two storey side and single storey rear extensions

Ref No: 14/03017/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Brad Payne   Contact Mr Callum Meakin        Consultation Expiry Date        23 February 2015 Case Officer:   David Johnson   Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       39A York Road Acomb York YO24 4LW

Proposal:       Installation of ATM

Ref No: 15/00047/FUL

Applicant:      Bank Of Ireland Contact Mrs Gillian Bentley     Consultation Expiry Date        23 February 2015Case Officer:   Sharon Jackson  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.

Schoolboy pranks reach York planning committee – Councillors to discuss “Private Eye” jape

Concern over “revenge” planning applications

The agenda for Thursday’s area planning committee reveals that two planning applications, submitted as a publicity stunt last year by a York Councillor, are actually going to be debated by a committee of 11 members.

Ironically the Councillor who submitted the applications will be barred from the debate as he is deemed by regulations to have a “pecuniary or vested interest”.

Caravan site propsal for West Offcies

Caravan site proposal for West Offices

The first – a proposal to provide a 3 space gypsy caravan site outside the front door of the Councils West Offices – has generated a 10 page officer report. Not surprisingly it is recommended for refusal, although not without the highways network management department recording that it has “no objections to the plan” which includes provision for the storage of scrap metal.

The ploy does, of course, seek to highlight an issue which is significant for many. The location of gypsy caravan sites has always been controversial with local residents fearing that differing lifestyles will adversely impact on their neighbourhood.

In 2013, when Labour published their Local Plan, they courted controversy by slipping in new – and extended – caravan sites without any prior consultation. Their 2014 revamp was little better with Wetherby Road residents waking up one morning to find that a new site had been identified near Harewood Whin.

The second application is for the erection of a statue on a traffic island on Station Rise near the City walls. Although the nature of the statue is not recorded in the application, its promoters have said in the media that it would be a “marble life-sized statue on a red granite pedestal to the person who voters in a planned public poll considered most responsible for ‘fiascos which have afflicted York.’ It is unclear who would pay for the statue and whether the figure would be updated as public opinion shifted.

George Leeman Statue

Some may think that, in a time of increased social media use, there are other cheaper and more flexible ways of making a point. Indeed we are on the brink of having the technology available to remotely project holograms into differing locations.  No need for on site equipment, so no need for planning permission. Just imagine if a well known local architect was to wake up each morning to find a member of the York Labour Cabinet apparently peering through his window?

The statue application has also been recommended for refusal although officials have struggled to justify their concerns given the existence of similar statues nearby.

In neither case does the applicant have the permission of the site owner for a change of use of the land.

The real issue relates to the costs of dealing with the applications. Council committee meetings are expensively to stage. Many residents attend, or view on line, to see how particular proposals, which have a real chance of success, fare. They deserve to have their issues dealt with first. The applications to be decided on Thursday include proposals for a House in Multiple Occupation in Osbaldwick, erection of a new house in Halifax Court and provision of garages at a site near 72 Huntington Road   

Another concern may be the precedent that is being set.

Pretty much anyone with the money (a fee of between £200 and £400 is payable) can apply for planning permission to do virtually anything anywhere. Only those with a valid title to the land or buildings under question actually normally make applications. Even prospective purchasers are wary, fearing that the price may increase if a planning application for a new use is granted to them, rather than the current owner.

So a wealthy resident with an axe to grind could apply, say, to install a cesspit in the lounge of a house in, say, Osbaldwick. It would have little chance of success, but might attract publicity and generate some discomfort for the house owner.

That is not what the planning system was designed to do.

Mildly amusing initially, but we don’t need any more “revenge” planning applications in York

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The York Council had a poor quarter with a significant proportion of planning appeals allowed. The figures in the published report (below) seem to have been transposed with 7 appeals (70%) being allowed in the last quarter of 2014.

Planning appeals performance to 31st Dec 2014