Agenda item

Paul Butler, Planning Manager from David Wilson Homes, will be speaking about his company’s interest in the derelict tannery site in Strensall and his discussions with City of York Council about plans for residential development of the site. This will be an opportunity for residents to hear about the possible plans and there will be chance to ask questions, although the company will also be conducting a consultation process.

Paul Butler, Planning Manager from David Wilson Homes, provided residents with a presentation which set out his aspirations for residential development on the derelict tannery site in Strensall.

Reference was made to the presentation to the Parish Council last Wednesday when the key issues raised had related to highways and drainage.

Mr Butler gave a very comprehensive presentation, the main points of which included:

Site Layout

·        The proposal was for 53 dwellings consisting of a mix of 5, 4, 3 and 2 beds (computer generated images of the properties and street scene were displayed).

·        A 9m gap would be left between the top of the river bank and the property boundaries.

·        Affordable housing amounting to 25% would be distributed throughout the site

·        Onsite public open space would be provided, however as there would be insufficient on site £45k would be provided for off site amenities. Residents were asked to identify where community facilities were required in the ward.

Footway/Cycle Bridge

·        A footbridge would be provided from the site over the river into ‘The Ship’ car park

·        As Strensall Bridge was Grade II listed the footbridge would be of a sympathetic design with a shallow gradient at each side with no requirement for steps

Landscaping

·        Indicative landscaping plans were provided which could be amended following consultation

Highway Matters

·        Earlier planning approvals for the site had related to office use which had anticipated 1300 traffic movements over a 24hr period and a maximum of 250 car parking spaces

·        The current scheme proposed 100 car parking spaces

·        It was proposed to relocate the 30mph traffic sign further north and provide a gateway traffic calming feature

·        Bridge visibility was an issue which they would endeavour to mitigate

·        Enquires were ongoing regarding the possible provision of a pedestrian crossing between Strensall Bridge and The Ship.

Drainage

·        Surface water would be released into the River Foss at a lower rate than at present

·        Following the earlier presentation to the PC, concerns had been raised that the existing village sewer was overused and flooded during bad weather

·        Investigations would be undertaken to ensure that there was capacity available for the development

Residents then had the opportunity to ask any questions or make comments relating to the presentation and proposed scheme, and the following issues were raised:

C       Although drainage issues were not the developers concern, they were the concern of Strensall residents. There were major sewer issues in the village and following the least rainfall raw sewage was regularly discharged into the river.

A       The developers were fully aware of the issues and concerns of residents and consultation would be undertaken with the Foss Internal Drainage Board, Yorkshire Water and CYC. Following the submission of the planning application residents would be able to view  details on the Council’s website and submit comments.

Q       If Yorkshire Water raised no objections to the proposed development and subsequent issues arose, what could be done?

A       Yorkshire Water were responsible to ensure that any subsequent drainage/flooding problems were resolved.

C       Concerns regarding the volume of traffic generated by the site at peak hours and added traffic from the Brecks development with safety issues at a major junction.

A       CYC had undertaken an assessment of the additional traffic which would be generated and this would be taken into account when considering the application.

C       Concerns had already been raised with CYC regarding parking problems in Main Street which were exacerbated when buses travelled this route.

A       Agreed that mitigation measures were required for both highway and drainage issues.

Members then thanked Mr Butler for his informative talk and presentation. Mr Butler confirmed that Ward Members had his contact details if any residents wished to raise any further issues regarding the proposed development.