Agenda item

5.1 Tannery site development

Councillor Doughty gave an update on the proposed development by David Wilson Homes, noting that discussions had continued since the last formal Ward Committee meeting, at which the planning manager of David Wilson gave  a presentation to residents. He advised that consultations had been ongoing between City of York Council, David Wilson Homes, the Parish Council and residents.

The Planning Committee had formally considered the application at a meeting on 21^st March, and had granted permission, on the basis that the remaining issues, such as drainage, were overseen and managed by the planning officer in accordance with the approval of application.

David Wilson Homes had confirmed that following the resolution of these issues, they intended to build quickly, with a likelihood that houses would be ready for occupation by the end of this year.

Councillor Doughty confirmed that a foot and cycle bridge would be built to the left of the existing bridge, at an adequate distance to ensure no risk of vandalism. He also advised that the north side footpath would be extended and landscaped, taking into account the riverside walk. Councillor Doughty advised that there would be sympathetic planting, and the design had been very carefully thought out, in consultation with the Environmental Officer.

It was noted that there would be traffic issues as a result of the development, but potentially a lot less than with the previous application for an industrial development on the same site.

Councillors assured residents that extensive work had gone into ensuring the majority of concerns which had been raised, were covered and dealt with, before the application was approved.

5.2 Towthorpe Waste Recycling Centre and Waste Services

Councillor Doughty updated residents on a number of cost-saving measures being introduced by the City of York Council as follows:

-     Towthorpe Waste Recycling Centre will be closed on Wednesdays, resulting in an estimated annual saving of £11,000. It was noted that this decision had been ratified, but that a start date had not been confirmed.

-     Charges would be introduced for the disposal of asbestos, gas bottles and other hazardous waste at Hazel Court.

-     There would be changes to the permit scheme for larger vehicles and trailers.

-     It had been agreed that there would be no universal charge for the collection of green bin waste. However, there will be no green bin collection from November to March inclusive, effective immediately.

-     A proposal has also been made to introduce a charge of £35 for those households which have more than one green bin, though no details of this are available as yet.

5.3 Haxby to Clifton Moor Shared Use Scheme

Richard Holland, Transport Planner at City of York Council, attended the meeting to speak to residents about the proposed cycle route from Haxby to Clifton Moor. He explained that this was currently at consultation stage, following a successful bid by CYC to the Department for Transport, which had resulted in a grant of £750,000 towards its development.

Residents pointed out that the proposed route did not come anywhere near Strensall village, and there was no apparent benefit to be seen. Councillor Wiseman noted that a feasibility study had taken place into a cycle route between Strensall and Earswick, but that at an estimated cost of £1 million, it had been deemed to expensive to pursue. Mr Holland acknowledged the concern of the residents, and explained that the feasibility study was still in existence, and it was worth still pushing for a Strensall cycle path in the future. Residents noted that a cycle path would be well used by the community. Mr Holland suggested that if feeling was strong on this issue, it was important for residents to respond to the consultation with these comments.

He emphasised that the main point of the proposed route from Haxby to Clifton Moor was its economic benefit in providing sustainable access to the businesses on Clifton Moor. He further noted that this had been a key part of why the DfT grant had been awarded. Residents asked the estimated cost of the proposals, and Mr Holland advised the initial figure had been set at around £950,000, £750,000 of which was provided by the grant.

Mr Holland advised that following the consultation period, it would still have to go through the decision process, and funding from the DfT would only be received once the work was agreed and started. The focus on the north quadrant of the city had been because this area was deemed to have a higher car use and less sustainable routes than elsewhere in the city.

In order to qualify for the grant, work will need to begin this financial year (and finish within the next), and Mr Holland advised that it was expected the development would take place Spring/Summer 2014, if approved.

Councillor Wiseman enquired whether, if there was no support and significant opposition to the scheme, whether this would be taken on board. Mr Holland explained he was attending the meeting to provide information, and couldn’t comment on the final decisions which would be made. He confirmed that his colleague had attended a Ward Committee meeting in Haxby and Wigginton the previous week, and that there had been a level of enthusiasm there about the scheme.

Councillor Wiseman then asked if an orbital bus route had been considered as a proposal for sustainable transport development. Mr Holland remarked that this had been proposed, but he was unable to advise on the outcome of this.

Councillors and residents thanked Mr Holland for his presentation.