Acomb Alive devolution plan – Only £17,000 available

Fair deal for AcombThe report on plans to devolve responsibility for economic development activities, in the Acomb Front Street area, to local residents and traders has been published

It confirms that, of a £30,000 investment promised by the Council in 2013, only £13000 has actually been invested.

The balance of £17,000 may now be allocated to the Acomb Alive group.

However, these are derisory sums and will do little to redeem the regeneration project  promised for the area by local Councillors when seeking election last year.

Major investment is required in the streetscape and a full time coordinator will be required if the many private sector owners are to become involved in the project.

A budget of least £250,000 will be required each year.

By comparison, the City centre partner (Make it York) has a budget of over £600,000 a year while even Monks Cross will get £1 million a year from the Council to fund a leisure development there.

Two years ago the then Labour controlled Council ditched plans to create a retirement village in Acomb on land at Lowfields school

The funding was transferred to a similar project at Burnholme school on the other side fo the City.

The land at Lowfields – and a similar plot next to the library – remain unused adding to the general atmosphere of neglect in the area.

 

Major boost for Acomb on way?

The Council is to consider devolving economic development activity management to the Acomb Alive organisation.

Vandalised cycle stands in Front Street

Vandalised cycle stands in Front Street

The decision is due to be made at a meeting taking place on 12th April

The plan is likely to be welcomed by many living and working in Westfield and Acomb who feel that the area has been snubbed in recent years both by the Council and local economic development partners like “Make it York”.

The Front Street neighbourhood badly needs a regeneration intiative and local businesses and residents do have a key role to play in any improvement activity.

Front Street flower tubs 2007

Residents are working to improve the appearance of the area

Occupancy levels of shops have improved with the economic recovery but too many new businesses seem to flounder within their first couple of years of operation.

Ideas like the establishment of an occasional street market have come to nothing while local Councillors have had to resort to collecting petitions aimed at getting local footpaths repaired.

The scale of any investment which may be on offer is not known and any regeneration project will need at least one full time management post over at least 3 years.

Something major does need to happen and quickly.

Restrictions on gangs and alcohol consumption on Acomb Green proposed

The Council is to consult residents on introducing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle the problems caused by youths in West Bank Park and Acomb Green.

The proposal will be considered on 4th April.

Acomb Green Play area group in 2011

Acomb Green Play area group in 2011

Options that the Council could look at introducing, through a PSPO, include:

  • A ban on drinking alcohol in both areas;
  • The ability to remove large groups of 3 or more people who are causing anti-social behaviour for both sites;
  • Banning the possession of lighters by under 16’s in the play area.
  • A ban on people riding bicycles or motorised bikes through West Bank Park;
  • Ensuring that dogs are kept on a lead at West Bank Park (current position) or relaxing this at certain times;

The proposals have been prompted by an increasing number of complaints about anti-social behaviour during the summer months. Between April and September, the police responded to 33 complaints about gangs gathering on the Green together with 4 about drunken behaviour and a further 4 where an attempt was made to set fire to the play equipment.

Similar issues arose at West Bank Park

If supported, the restrictions – which can be enforced by one the spot penalty notices – would also apply to the streets surrounding The Green.

Crime levels have been creeping up in York recently and residents will be expecting to see some effective remedies proposed by the candidates who are standing in the crime commissioner elections which are taking place in May.

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:       223 Beckfield Lane York YO26 5PH

Proposal:       Single storey side and rear extension and first floor extension to rear

Ref No: 16/00184/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Marc Harrison Consultation Expiry Date:       22 February 2016 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       2 Cornlands Road York YO24 3DU

Proposal:       Extension of porch to front

Ref No: 16/00039/FUL

Applicant:      Mrs Angela Estienne     Consultation Expiry Date        22 February 2016 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       133 Cornlands Road York YO24 3ED

Proposal:       Single storey front and side extensions, first floor rear extension and dormer to rear

Ref No: 16/00117/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Andrew Berry Consultation Expiry Date        22 February 2016 Case Officer:   Elizabeth Potter        Expected Decision Level DEL

Trees to be felled on Front Street

Trees to be felled on Front Street

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Location:       Acomb Methodist Church Front Street York YO24 3BX

Proposal:       Fell 7no. trees in a Conservation Area

Ref No: 16/00176/TCA

Applicant:      Acomb Methodist Church   Contact Mr Tim Short    Consultation Expiry Date        22 February 2016 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/

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