Email 29 June 2026

Dear Mr Payne,

Thank you for your letter of 20th May regarding the Hearing concerning FutureSound’s application for a license in York Museum Gardens.

I am sorry that I have not been able to reply earlier, but maybe you will recognise that dealing with matters of this nature is not my fulltime job.

Regarding your questions: the concerns of Marygate residents have been set out in various representations to the Council Hearing Body. I believe that the submission I contributed also comprehensively cites a number of concerns of numerous residents.

But to put things in a nutshell:

The residents of Marygate would like to see an OVERALL GUIDELINE DOCUMENT covering the overall annual usage and considerations/constraints to be applied to large scale events being planned in the gardens. This document in our view should cover all aspects of number of events allowed, noise, access, times, alcohol consumption, parking restrictions, offloading etc etc – laid out in a clear way, and thought through with particular consideration of the gardens, the nature and limitations of the site and the challenges posed for neighbours in listed buildings etc. With all of this information in a single document, we can feel assured that all aspects have been considered (or request additions/modifications as may turn out to be necessary) and documented in one place. An application like FutureSound’s can then be considered in context. Part of the obligation (on YMT) should also be to issue and communicate the proposed annual plan to affected neighbours – and not just by “lamppost mail”.

As an example, if t2026 FutureSound events extended to 12 days they would be followed almost immediately by another large scale event: York Proms – and maybe other events? How many other “FutureSounds” are there in 2026? Who knows?

As for eliminating all the residential street parking, it appears to Marygate residents that this is carried out by a separate department within York Council – dealing with individual event organisers on an isolated basis with little consideration for the overall impact. This department has made statements like “the resident’s parking permit is no guarantee of parking availability”. But just how fair is that if 20 days or more per year will simply be eradicated? An overall guideline would set clear transparent limits and maybe establish clear arrangements.

As stated in our submission, we are considerate and supportive of the sensible use and future of the gardens – but an overall framework should be clear and agreed.

Regards