• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

  • News
  • Things to do
  • Radio
  • More
    • Food & drink
    • Business
  • About
    • Comments
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
  • Radio
  • WIN
  • Tonne of tins
  • Vouchers
  • Listen live »
YorkMix Tone of Tins

Delight as government throws out ‘alien’ development at historic York site

McCarthy Stone and Henry Boot's proposed 'extra care' accommodation. Image: planning documents
Fri 13 Jan, 2023 @ 7.11 am News YorkMix

Campaigners have achieved ‘a welcome victory over the might of developers’ after plans for a retirement accommodation block on the former Terry’s Chocolate factory site were thrown out.

A government planning inspector backed City of York Council and refused an appeal by the developers, saying the proposed building would have been an “alien feature” on Bishopthorpe Road.

McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles and Henry Boot Developments first submitted the plans in 2020, but later chose to take their case to a public inquiry because they said the council was unable to give them a timeframe for a decision.

York Cycle Campaign
York Cycle Campaign #Ad

They wanted to build 70 apartments on the land, which is currently a car park, as well as a residents lounge, bistro, laundry room and a new car park area.

The council, campaigners and Micklegate’s Labour councillors argued that the building was a poor design and would not fit in with the surrounding area.

Local health bosses feared its residents would heap more pressure on already stretched GP services, though inspector Ken Taylor said there was not enough evidence to support this claim.

Bishopthorpe Road resident Joe Leigh said the proposal was an “awful building in the wrong location” during the planning inquiry last year.

The site has been allocated for approximately 33 homes in York’s draft Local Plan.

The developer said there was a “compelling need for additional specialist retirement accommodation for the elderly in York”.

‘Good design is key’

At the public inquiry, L-R: Micklegate ward councillor Jonny Crawshaw, nearby resident Joe Leigh, Iris Crook, who lives at another McCarthy Stone property in York, Micklegate ward councillor Pete Kilbane and former York councillor Johnny Hayes. Photograph: Joe Cooper

Mr Taylor issued his final report this week, refusing the appeal.

He wrote: “The benefits of meeting a need for specialist housing for older people and the use of previously developed land both individually carry significant weight. Some very modest economic benefits would also arise.

“However, the creation of high quality, beautiful buildings and places is fundamental to the planning system and good design is a key aspect of sustainable development. The harm
that would arise to the character and appearance of the area would be very significant.”

Micklegate councillor Pete Kilbane said: “I’m relieved the inspectors dismissed this speculative application and supported the council and grassroots campaigners who have achieved a welcome victory over the might of developers.”

He thanked council officers and residents for “standing up” to the developers.

Last year, Cllr Kilbane said bringing the case before an inquiry was a “tactical move” by the developer for an application that “in the normal way of the world, wouldn’t make it to a planning committee”.

He added this week: “We look forward to the next application which we presume will, this time, be in accordance with the draft local plan allocation for the site.”

Trending

  1. Another York shop goes – City store launches closing down sale
  2. Popular York headteacher announces retirement
  3. Massive ‘Stonehenge of the North’ opens to the public

Fri 13 Jan, 2023

Footer

YorkMix
News 01904 848 766
Email YorkMix news »
5-6 King's Court, Shambles, York  YO1 7LD
YorkMix Radio
General enquiries 01904 375 029
Studio/competitions 01904 375 030
Email YorkMix Radio »
Selby Superbowl, Bawtry Road, Selby  YO8 8NA
YorkMix is a trading name of YorkMix Media Ltd
Registered in England
Company number: 07814727
VAT number: 154 0364 34
© York Sound Ltd

Copyright © 2023 YorkMix Media Ltd

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT