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City of York Council |
Committee Minutes |
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Meeting |
Executive |
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Date |
7 October 2025 |
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Present |
Councillors Douglas (Chair), Kilbane (Vice-Chair), Kent, Lomas, Pavlovic, Ravilious, Steels-Walshaw and Webb |
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In attendance |
Councillor Ayre (Opposition Group Leader) |
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138. Chair's Opening Remarks
The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the October Executive meeting.
It was advised that due to the significant level of public interest in relation to York Christmas Market, the agenda running order was to be reordered. York Christmas Market was to be brought forward and considered as the first substantive item on the agenda.
139. Apologies for Absence
There were no apologies for absence.
140. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
141. Exclusion of Press and Public
Whilst it was acknowledged that annex A to agenda item 10 was classed as exempt for the reasons set out below, it was not anticipated that there was a need for Executive to consider it in private session.
Resolved: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting in relation to annex A to agenda item 10 on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). This information is classed as exempt under paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).
142. Minutes
Resolved: That the minutes of the Executive meeting held on 2
September 2025 be approved and signed by the Chair as a
correct record.
143. Public Participation
It was reported that there had been eight registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.
Roger Tuckett spoke in relation to agenda item 7, A City that Works for All: York's All-age Autism and ADHD Strategy 2025-2030. He spoke about the impact of undiagnosed autism career in relation to work, family connections and financial stability. He was keen to ensure societal integration for all autistic and neurodivergent people. It was reported that life expectancy for autistic people was between 6 and 11 years lower than the rest of the population. Up to 35% planned or attempted suicide during their lifetime. 42% of autistic children experienced anxiety compared to 3% of non-autistic children. Educational outcomes were persistently worse. And just three in ten autistic adults were in work compared to five in ten for all disabled people and eight in ten for non-disabled people.
The development of a new autism strategy was welcomed, preceded by a full needs assessment, including ADHD. It involved lived experience in co-design and co-production not just as an aspiration. Its focus on societal aspects was exemplary. However, it remained largely tactical and may lack a clear strategic pathway of how to achieve all the wider outcomes of the autistic communities and their families sought in fully removing health and social inequalities brought about by neurodivergence. A robust annual action plan was needed with measurable targets and accountability. However, the various statutory authorities still provided a fragmented approach to support, particularly between health and social care services with the third sector and often with poor communication with neurodivergent communities themselves.
It was requested that City of York Council supported a call for a leadership summit during 2026 for autism and ADHD across York and North Yorkshire. This should include direct participation as equal partners not only from the various statutory bodies, but also the third sector and neurodivergent communities to explore better ways of integrating support strategies and stimulating co-operative working.
The Leader of the Council responded that the request for involvement at the leadership summit was to be addressed by Councillor Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care.
Gwen Swinburn spoke in relation to agenda item 13, £500k Parks Investment Fund – Scheme Approval. There was concern that King George Field remained last on the Parks Investment Fund. It was reported that the site had been legally dedicated as a memorial to King George V and was the only recreational space for residents. It was felt that the council's statutory duty to maintain it had been ignored. In addition, the adjacent play area at Aaron Place had been neglected with missing and outdated play equipment. The Council's scoring system had ranked King George Field the lowest, and despite being inaccessible, officers had not given full infrastructure points.
The Leader of the Council responded that King George Field was on the list for further consideration and that whilst £500k was a significant investment it did not cover all that needed to be done across the city.
Councillor Fenton spoke in relation to agenda item 10 – Delivering More Affordable Housing in York – Update on the Housing Delivery Programme; and agenda item 12 – Park and Ride: Site Improvements and New Bus Service Contract. In relation to the housing delivery programme, he welcomed that work was underway to develop design options for Askham Bar former park and ride site. The site had real potential not just for much needed affordable housing, but also for health and community facilities. The development also provided an opportunity to look at transport infrastructure in the area with view to improving bus reliability and upgrading cycling and walking routes. It was requested that Executive Members and officers worked with local councillors and the wider community as this important scheme progressed.
In relation to park and ride investment, the proposed secure overnight parking provision at Askham Bar was particularly welcomed. Whilst understanding the logic for the 2-year contract extension it was requested that this did not prevent discussions on changes to existing services. For example, consideration being given to an intermediate stop to be introduced on the number three route so that the park and ride was a practical choice for staff working at schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities in the Tadcaster Road area.
In relation to agenda item 16, York Christmas Market 2025 – Implementation of Temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order the recommendation from the Chief Constable this year was clear as was the advice last year from counter terrorism officers. Residents and visitors expected Executive to make decisions which prioritised public safety. Publication of the report six hours before the start of the meeting meant there had been very little opportunity for proper scrutiny or for members of the public to register to speak on this important matter.
Hilary Conroy spoke in relation to agenda item 7, A City that Works for All: York’s All-age Autism and ADHD Strategy 2025-2030. There was concern about the pilot scheme which it was reported had initially rejected 90% of the people who requested an assessment for autism and ADHD. It had since been permanently installed, which created a two-tier system of those considered urgent enough for assessment and approximately 9,000 people who were currently being held on a waiting list. It was in this context that work on an updated strategy began at City of York Council. That whilst the initial health needs assessment was at times problematic, officers had shown themselves to be exemplary in their ability to listen, understand, and take on board the feedback they had received. They sought out a variety of voices to ensure that the loudest or most engageable were not the only ones shaping this piece of work. It was hoped that others could take note on how to apply this approach through relationships, honesty, humility, and genuine interest. Overall, although pleased with the results of these efforts there was some concern about the response from partners. There were questions to be asked about what was prioritised over this work and how informed or accepting decision makers were about the needs highlighted in the strategy. It was hoped that some of the ambitions referred to within the strategy could be met in the next five years. There had already been a shift within City of York Council in understanding neurodivergence and it was hoped that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) could follow suit in years to come.
Reference was also made to agenda item 16, York Christmas Market 2025 – Implementation of Temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order. As a representative of York Disability Rights Forum, there was concern about the formal recommendation to prevent blue badge holders access to the city centre. That blue badge holders should not be treated as second class citizens just because of their disability. That if the York Christmas Market was considered such a danger, then perhaps the Council should consider whether changes were needed in terms of layout. The lack of space around the market itself was already problematic for disabled people beyond the issue of blue badge parking. This was an opportunity to rethink the whole approach and ensure a city that worked for all.
Helen Jones spoke in relation to agenda item 16, York Christmas Market 2025 - Implementation of Temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order, as a member of York Disability Rights Forum. There was concern that the recommendation to close city centre access for blue badge holders from 10.00am to 7.00pm from 13 November to 21 December 2025 meant that blue badge holders would be unable to access city centre services, such as banks and opticians, and took away the opportunity to socialise with family and friends. Christmas could already feel a lonely time for some and exclusion from the city centre only heightened that. Additionally, York Christmas Market was not considered accessible. It was overcrowded and extremely difficult to navigate as a wheelchair user.
Bigby Eris Waterson spoke in relation to agenda item 16 – York Christmas Market 2025 – Implementation of Temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order. Whilst recognising that there had been a recommendation to ensure public safety, it was felt that it had the opposite effect for disabled people. Many disabled people were reliant on access to the city centre. As the city became busier for Christmas, it was more dangerous for those with disabilities with overcrowding being a particular issue.
Chief Inspector Ryan Chapman, North Yorkshire Police spoke in relation to agenda item 16, York Christmas Market 2025 -
Implementation of Temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order. It was reported that there were two statements to be presented, one on behalf of counter terrorism and one from North Yorkshire Police.
In relation to counter terrorism the following was reported:
“Counter Terrorism Police North-East would like members to take account of the terrible and tragic terrorist incidents in Manchester on 2 October 2025 when deliberating the issues of access to this year's Christmas Market in York. Once again, the attack involved the use of a vehicle as a weapon. It is crucial to ensure that the areas of York city centre are protected at the time of the busy Christmas market. This means keeping the area inside the scheme accessible only to emergency response vehicles. Determined terrorists will seek to exploit any vulnerabilities to mount a successful attack. There have been numerous examples worldwide of attacks on Christmas markets and plots to attack such events over the past few years, including last year in Germany.”
In relation to North Yorkshire Police, the following was reported:
“The Christmas Market is an important seasonal event in the City of York and North Yorkshire. Police are keen to work in partnership with City of York Council to ensure it is a success. It is important to note that responsibility for public safety at this event sits with the event organiser. The York Christmas Market attracts a high-density crowd and the presence of vehicles in such an environment creates an obvious opportunity for a terrorist attack using vehicles as weapons. As you're aware, the City of York contains the only tier one site outside of London. Following the 2024 event, there were reports that many felt that crowds were too dense and could be better managed. In recent years, we have witnessed vehicles within the area that were either static or moving within the area and therefore seemed to be blue badge holders. This creates an obvious risk on the basis that an intended terrorist could easily obtain such a pass if minded to do so. We take the view that the ATTRO should have been in place previous years to mitigate this threat. It is factually incorrect to suggest that the Chief Constable has the power to impose an ATTRO. Such an order can only be granted by the highway authority on the recommendation of the Chief Officer. It is our understanding that a proposal to recommend a temporary ATTRO to the highways authority was discussed at the City of York Safety Advisory Group on 10 September 2025 where it received the support of all agencies present, including officers from the City of York Council. It is vitally important that we all take appropriate steps to protect residents and visitors to this great city from terrorism. The events in Liverpool and Manchester illustrate the devastating impact of a vehicle driven into a dense crowd. It's a proportionate and reasonable step for the Chief Constable to recommend a temporary ATTRO to the City of York Council as highway authority. It is a matter for the council if they wish to accept or reject the recommendation.”
(During the course of the public participation session it was noted that one of the individuals registered to speak was not in attendance at the meeting.)
144. Forward Plan
Members received and noted details of items that were on the Forward Plan for the next two Executive meetings at the time of agenda publication.
145. York Christmas Market 2025 - Implementation of Temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order
(This item was dealt with in accordance with Paragraph 15.1 of Appendix 7 to the Constitution under urgent business.)
The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to proceed with all necessary legal and operational steps to implement the temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO), informed by consideration of alternative approaches, and legal review of the ability and risk of pursuing any alternative approach.
The following information was appended to the report:
- Submission by Tim Forber, Chief Constable at North Yorkshire Police
- Equalities Impact Assessment
- Details of previous consultation analysis.
Garry Taylor, Director of City Development presented the report and responded to members’ questions and comments.
The key areas of discussion were:
· Confirmation from the Director of City Development that the ATTRO letter was received from the Chief Constable on 26 September 2025 and subsequently there was a need to consider implications arising from the recommendation, particularly any legal requirements. The Council also had wider duties to balance in terms of accessibility.
· The Director of City Development advised that a thorough search had been undertaken and there was no record of an ATTRO recommendation that had not been complied with.
· It was advised that legal implications of not complying with the ATTRO recommendation could include a judicial review of the Council’s decision. The Home Secretary also retained the right to direct the Council to implement the ATTRO. In addition, there was a need to consider the potential for corporate manslaughter charges brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) if a serious incident occurred.
· Clarification was sought about details of the meeting that took place on 10 September 2025 that had been referred to. It was advised that this was an Advisory Group meeting and there had been no formal recommendation from the Chief Constable at that point.
· The importance of receiving a report back to Executive detailing potential mitigations that could be put in place to reduce the number of people excluded from the city centre balanced against identified risks.
· Consideration that if events could not be made fully accessible for residents, then there was a need to review whether it was appropriate for these types of events to continue in the city centre.
· Clarification sought about consideration of the item as an urgent item of business. The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer advised that consideration of the item complied with access to information regulations since it was not a key decision as referenced in both the forward plan and the report. It was acknowledged that late publication of the report was not desirable, but it was lawful. The item had been added to the agenda as an urgent item of business and the report had been published on the council’s website as soon as it had been made available.
· The Leader of the Council reported that there had been insufficient time between receipt of the letter from the Chief Constable and the Executive meeting to work through the various options, particularly in terms of potential mitigations to reduce the number of people excluded from the city centre whilst ensuring safe access for all.
Resolved (unanimously):
That Executive
i) Agrees to make the Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation
Order (ATTRO) on the recommendation of the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, as advised by the National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors and National Protective Security Authority (noting that refusal to implement an ATTRO after receipt of a compliant recommendation from a Chief Constable would be an unprecedented event nationally).
ii) Considers a full assessment, including need, risk and risk
mitigation assessment, of the various forms of vehicular access historically permitted to the footstreets area during the Christmas Markets, to be presented to Executive at the earliest opportunity, so arrangements are in place for the opening of York’s Christmas Market 2025.
Reason: Executive must reach a decision which is reasonable and proportionate having fully considered all relevant matters. Executive must have strong defensible legal grounds for refusing to make an ATTRO requested by the Chief Constable, and on legal and wider officer review of the specific circumstances, no such grounds are apparent. Refusal to implement an ATTRO after receipt of a compliant recommendation from a Chief Constable would be an unprecedented event nationally.
146. A City that Works for All: York's All-age Autism and ADHD Strategy 2025-2030
The Director of Public Health submitted a report which presented a strategy for York intended to improve the lives of Autistic people and people with ADHD, of all ages.
The following officers attended the meeting for this item:
- Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health
- Jodie Farquharson, Head of Public Health (Healthy Child Service).
The following information was appended to the report:
- A City that Works for All: York’s All-age Autism and ADHD Strategy 2025-2030
- Equalities Impact Assessment.
The key areas of discussion were:
· The Leader of the Council highlighted the earlier request from one of the public participants in relation to development of an action plan to consider the level of progress made against the strategy. In addition, that there were opportunities for individuals and groups to become involved as part of the leadership summit work being undertaken across York and North Yorkshire. It was agreed that a response was to be provided in due course.
· The Executive Member wished to place on record her thanks to all those involved in contributing to development of the strategy. This included, officers, people with lived experience, academics, parents, carers as well as public participants in attendance.
· Acknowledging the importance of embedding a new standard of inclusion, which recognised that neurodivergent people were a significant and valued part of the population. It included a commitment that adjustments must be made based on need rather than a diagnoses.
· Positive engagement with Healthwatch York and academic partners from the University of York neurodiverse research unit to ensure the approach was evidence informed and locally relevant.
Resolved (unanimously): That Executive approves the York’s All-age Autism and ADHD Strategy 2025-2030, ‘A City that Works for All’.
Reason: To fulfil our statutory duty to arrange plans and policies in response to the National Autism Strategy, and progress key partnership working to improve the health and wellbeing of people in York who are Autistic and/or have ADHD.
147. Inclusion and Belonging Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Strategy 2025-2030
The Assistant Director, Education and Skills submitted a report which presented York’s Inclusion and Belonging Special Educational Needs and Alternative Provision Strategy 2025–2030.
The following information was appended to the report:
- York Inclusion and Belonging Special Educational Needs and Alternative Provision Strategy 2025–2030
- Equalities Impact Assessment
- Data Protection Impact Assessment Screening Questionnaire.
The following officers attended the meeting for this item:
- Martin Kelly, Corporate Director, Children’s and Education
- Maxine Squire, Assistant Director of Education and Skills
- Victoria Coyle, Head of Integrated SEND.
The key areas of discussion were:
· There was concern about the national approach to SEND with many parents, carers and professionals highlighting the need for improvements.
· An update on locally established positive approaches, particularly development of the SEND hub, which served as the public face of support services.
· Recognition that whilst at the forefront of a modern inclusive education system there was still a great deal more work to be done.
· The important development of co-production with special thanks to those involved with the Parent and Carer Forum for their positive contributions and demonstrating their lived experience of dealing with a complex system.
Resolved (unanimously): That Executive approves the contents of the Inclusion and Belonging Special Educational Needs and Alternative Provision Strategy 2025-30.
Reason: The Inclusion and Belonging Special Educational Needs and Alternative Provision Strategy 2025-30 aims to improve the educational health and emotional wellbeing outcomes for all York’s children and young people with SEND and achieve improvements in their provision. It is aligned with the national agenda around inclusion and belonging.
(Councillor Bob Webb left the meeting at 6.00pm at the conclusion of this item.)
(The meeting adjourned at 6.00pm and reconvened at 6.10pm.)
148. Copmanthorpe Neighbourhood Plan - Examiner's Report and Decision Statement
The Director of City Development submitted a report which presented the conclusions of the Examiner’s Report and recommended Executive endorsed the Examiner’s recommendations to enable the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to Referendum, as set out in the Decision Statement.
The following information was appended to the report:
- Copmanthorpe Neighbourhood Plan (Submission version)
- Examiner’s Report
- Draft Decision Statement
- Equalities Impact Assessment.
The following officers attended the meeting for this item:
- Alison Cooke, Head of Strategic Planning Policy
- John Roberts, Strategic Planning Policy Officer.
The Executive Member wished to place on record his thanks to all those involved with development of the plan, which included the parish council, the neighbourhood planning team as well as officers.
Resolved (unanimously):
That Executive
i) Agrees the Examiner’s modifications set out at Annex C
(Table 1) to the Submission Draft Copmanthorpe Neighbourhood Plan (Annex A) and that inclusive of those modifications the Neighbourhood Plan meets the Basic Conditions and other legislative requirements.
ii) Agrees that the Submission Draft Copmanthorpe
Neighbourhood Plan, as amended, proceeds to a local
referendum based on the neighbourhood area as noted in the
Examiner’s Report (Annex B).
iii) Approves the Decision Statement attached at Annex C to
be published on the City of York Council’s website.
Reason: To allow the Neighbourhood Plan to progress in line with
neighbourhood planning legislation.
(iv) Agrees that delegated authority is given to the Director of City Development to approve and publish a Decision Statement in accordance with the statutory requirements:
a) should the outcome of the local referendum be in favour
of adopting the Neighbourhood Plan, and the Copmanthorpe Neighbourhood Plan can be formally ‘made’; or
b) should the outcome of the local referendum not be in
favour of adopting the Neighbourhood Plan, and the
Copmanthorpe Neighbourhood Plan is formally rejected
and the Plan cannot be made.
Reason: To conclude the Neighbourhood Plan process expediently.
149. Delivering More Affordable Housing in York – Update on the Housing Delivery Programme
The Director of Housing and Communities submitted a report which presented an update on the work carried out by the Housing Delivery Programme to date and which seeks to continue this work to deliver additional affordable housing sites and develop an ongoing pipeline of new build housing sites.
The following information was appended to the report:
- Ordnance Lane Business Case (exempt from publication)
- Willow House Red line Plan
- Draft Walmgate Improvement Proposals
- Ordnance Lane Red line Plan
- Lowfield A Red line Plan
- Former Manor School Site Red line plan
- Askham Bar Red line Plan
- Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA).
The following officers attended for this item:
- Pauline Stuchfield, Director of Housing and Communities
- Sophie Round, Housing Delivery Programme Manager.
The Executive Member thanked the housing delivery team for the considerable amount of work that had been undertaken in relation to housing development. Members and officers particularly thanked Sophie Round, Housing Delivery Programme Manager, who it was noted was shortly leaving the Council to take up a new role.
There was a brief discussion about the challenges associated with delivery of 100% affordable housing, which involved redesign work to ensure viable schemes that saved money for residents, particularly in terms of energy bills.
Resolved (unanimously):
That Executive
a) Approves the award of the construction contract for the
development of Ordnance Lane to the successful bidder and
delegates authority to the Director of Housing and Communities (in consultation with the Director of Governance) to enter into the contract once finalised.
b) Recommends to Full Council a construction and delivery
budget totalling £37.9m which includes HRA borrowing
totalling up to £13.0m.
c) Hospital Fields Road site is appropriated from the General
Fund into the HRA for £1.85m as per independent RICS
valuation.
d) Agrees to the application to Homes England for funding to
deliver the Shared Ownership properties on Ordnance Lane
and accepts, if successful, and delegates authority to the
Director of Housing and Communities (in consultation with
the Director of Finance and the Director of Governance) to
enter into any resulting grant funding agreements.
e) Agrees the proposed tenure mix of 100% affordable
housing split between 50 Social Rent homes and 51 Shared Ownership homes on Ordnance Lane.
f) Agrees to utilise the existing project budget to procure a
contractor to operate under a Pre-Contract Services Agreement to collaboratively design Willow House to RIBA 4 and price the design to enable a full business case in respect of the development at Willow House to be presented to Executive for approval and delegates authority to the Director of Housing and Communities (in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Governance) to take such steps as are necessary to procure, award and enter into the resulting pre-contract services agreement.
g) Agrees to the procurement of an enabling contractor for
Willow House to prepare the site for development utilising
YNYCA Brownfield Funding to deliver this work and to
delegate authority to the Director of Housing and
Communities (in consultation with the Director of Finance
Officer and the Director of Governance) to take such steps
as are necessary to procure, award and enter into the
resulting contract.
h) Agrees to the procurement of a contractor to work
collaboratively to design Lowfield A to RIBA 4 and price this
design to enable a full business case to be presented to the
Executive for approval and to delegate authority to the
Director of Housing and Communities (in consultation with
the Director of Finance and the Director of Governance) to
take such steps as are necessary to procure, award and
enter into the resulting design contract.
i) Agrees to the procurement of a multidisciplinary design
team to lead the design work on the Former Manor School site and delegates authority to the Director of Housing and
Communities (in consultation with the Director of Finance
and the Director of Governance) to take such steps as are
necessary to procure, award and enter into the resulting
contract.
j) Pending successful bid for YNYCA Brownfield Fund,
agrees to the development of designs and submission of a
planning application on the Former Manor School site.
k) Delegates authority for the future allocation of
Neighbourhood Improvement Programme (NIP) funding to
the Director of Housing and Communities in consultation
with Executive Member for Housing, Planning and
Community Safety to support projects such as those
outlined in Walmgate Improvement Proposals. The HDP
will support the creation of good quality spaces whilst the
NIP will improve existing spaces through targeted
investment.
l) Agrees the revised red line boundary for the Willow
House development as shown in Annex B.
Reason: To ensure the continuation of a manageable pipeline of sites to deliver the Housing Delivery Programme whilst making best use of CYC assets to deliver capital receipts and social benefits.
150. Local Flood Risk Management Strategy
The Director of Environment and Regulatory Services submitted a report which presented the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.
The following information was appended to the report:
- City of York Council Flood Risk Management Strategy
- Equalities Impact Assessment.
The following officers attended the meeting for this item:
- Dave Atkinson, Director of Environment and Regulatory Services
- Mark Henderson, Flood Risk Manager.
The key areas of discussion were:
· An acknowledgement of the positive work that had been undertaken to better understanding flood risk in York and measures in place to mitigate identified risks.
· Confirmation that internal consultation had already been undertaken with the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and Internal Drainage Boards. Public consultation was to be undertaken over a 12-week period to ensure an inclusive approach to the strategy.
· The Executive Member highlighted the importance of this area of work particularly given recent flood events and the changes in climate and weather patterns.
· The important role of Elected Members in publicising the public consultation to local communities.
Resolved (unanimously): That Executive delegates authority to the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services to commence public consultation, as referenced in the report.
Reason: To comply with consultation requirements.
151. Park and Ride: Site Improvements and New Bus Service Contract
The Director of City Development submitted a report which presented two connected projects for approval. Firstly, a range of infrastructure improvements to five Park and Ride sites to be funded through Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) grant. Secondly, a two-year extension to the contract for the operation of Park and Ride bus services was proposed to enable continuity of service until wider conversations with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) were concluded.
The following information was appended to the report:
- Park and Ride site improvements
- Park and Ride site improvement consultation summary
- Equalities Impact Assessment.
The following officers attended for this item:
- Garry Taylor, Director of City Development
- Tom Horner, Head of Transport Policy and Travel
- Behaviour.
The key areas of discussion were:
· The Executive Member reported that it was 35 years since park and ride was formally opened in 1990 with the opening of Askham Bar park and ride. York had the largest park and ride in the UK with nearly 5,000 parking spaces around the outside of the city centre at six different sites. It was one of the most successful in the country with around 3.8 million journeys in 2024.
· Further investment provided an opportunity to improve passenger experience. There had been a positive response to the consultation exercise with over 1,000 people submitting a response. One important development was the creation of integrated transport hubs so that a wide range of people could access different locations. Overnight parking was another strong ask and had been tied in with extended park and ride hours that had already been implemented.
· Ensuring a more accessible offer, which included, changing places, toilets, accessible EV charging and more spacious blue badge parking. It supported a commitment to enabling people to choose sustainable travel options and to reduce congestion in the city centre.
Resolved (unanimously):
That Executive
1) Approves £4m of BSIP1 funding and £250k of allocated
YNYCA Bus Grant funding to deliver Park and Ride site improvements as outlined in Annex A.
Reason: To modernise old facilities for existing and future Park
and Ride users and to attract more passengers to use Park and
Ride services.
2) Delegates authority to the Director of City Development
(in consultation with the Director of Governance and the Head of
Procurement) to implement the proposed Park and Ride site
Infrastructure improvements and to carry out any required
procurement processes and to take such steps as are necessary to procure, award and enter into the resulting contracts.
Reason: To ensure expedient delivery of the projects.
3) Delegates authority to the Director of City Development (in
consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and the Director of
Governance) to explore and implement further income
opportunities associated with Park and Ride including setting
fees for overnight parking.
Reason: To further support the financial viability of Park and Ride provision.
4) Delegates authority to the Director of City Development
(in consultation with the Director of Governance and the Head of
Procurement) to agree an extension to the existing Park and
Ride contract and any associated leases, of not more than two
years duration, and to take such steps as are necessary to enter
into the resulting variation and extension agreement and lease
extensions.
Reason: To provide continuation of service and to enable the
results of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority bus
network review to be incorporated into the new Park and Ride
contract.
152. £500k Parks Investment Fund – Scheme Approval
The Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services submitted a report which sought approval of schemes for investment through the application of agreed criteria.
The following information was appended to the report:
- Sites recommended for investment and further investigation
- Site Scores and provisional budget allocation
- Equalities Impact Assessment.
The following officers attended for this item:
- Dave Atkinson, Director of Environment and Regulatory Services
- Ian Hoult, Head of Environmental Services
- Dave Meigh, Operations Manager.
The key areas of discussion were:
· Confirmation that a dedicated project resource was in place from 1 November 2025. Work had also been undertaken in relation to procurement and contract management arrangements.
· The Executive Member highlighted the importance of investment, particularly linked to the Local Plan and ensuring a coherent strategy was in place.
· The Executive Member also welcomed the long overdue investment at Hall Road. It was reported that residents and campaigners had been tirelessly calling for improvements for many years. The £500k investment would result in improvements across the city and provide vital spaces for families, children, older people and anyone who wanted to enjoy the outdoors.
· In response to comments about King George Field, the Leader of the Council advised that it was on the list. It was advised that structural and engineering input was required to address accessibility, which was likely to be very expensive. This had been reflected in the recommendations, which included projects that were not feasible at the current time with an acknowledgement that there was still more work to be done.
Resolved (unanimously):
That Executive
1. Agrees the schemes detailed in Paragraph 26 and Annex
1.
Reason: To commence the Council parks, gardens, play areas
and open spaces investment programme.
2. Notes the schemes detailed in Paragraph 28 and Annex
1.
Reason: To allow further investigation into the practicality and
cost of these possible schemes.
3. Requests a follow up report for July 2026.
Reason: To monitor progress and, subject to the available
budget, agree a second phase of work.
153. Household Waste Recycling Centre Operations
The Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services submitted a report which presented options for the operation of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Centre’s (HWRC).
The following information was appended to the report:
- Resident split in relation to HWRC location
- HWRC Heat Map
- HWRC Material Tonnages (3 years)
- HWRC average visits per day, per site (3 years)
- HWRC September 2025 resident visits.
The following officers attended for this item:
- Dave Atkinson, Director of Environment and Regulatory Services
- Ian Hoult, Head of Environmental Services.
The key areas of discussion were:
· Officers reported an increase in little but often visits to HWRCs. Work had been undertaken to try and ensure residents made use of other HWRCs, not just Hazel Court, and avoided busy periods wherever possible.
· The Executive Member reported that whilst the number of visits to Hazel Court HWRC had increased the volume of waste had reduced. One key issue was people going to HWRCs not necessarily with vehicles full of waste.
Resolved (unanimously):
That Executive
i) Approves the introduction of a accessible, flexible online
booking system for Hazel Court HWRC only. Initially for 12
months and monitor traffic congestion, and success through
customer satisfaction. This will also require an option for
residents to phone and book a slot to ensure we offer an
accessible service to all.
Reason: To reduce the traffic congestion on Hazel Court
and James Street, mitigate risks to all types of road users
and allow local businesses to operate business as usual.
ii) Agrees that Towthorpe HWRC will operate without a
Booking system in place and remain as an open to attend.
Reason: So there are no obstructions in place and residents
remain to have a flexible site they are able to access ad-hoc.
iii) Notes a number of options will be considered during
the transition to a booking system that will give residents that
opportunity to dispose of limited streams (e.g. garden waste,
wood) at local sites.
Reason: To ensure residents are able to manage their
household waste in during the transition.
iv) Notes that longer term options for Household Waste
Recycling Centres in York are being explored.
154. Urgent Business
York Christmas Market 2025 – Implementation of Temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (Minute no. 144 refers) was dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Paragraph 15.1 of Appendix 7 to the Constitution.
There were no other urgent items of business to consider.
Councillor Douglas, Chair
(The meeting started at 4.30 pm and finished at 7.05 pm).