Decision details

This report described the consultation process carried out on the draft development brief for the Terry’s Factory Site. It presented a revised brief which had been compiled in response to the concerns and suggestions raised, and sought its approval as draft supplementary planning guidance to the Development Control Local Plan.

Angela Michel and Paul Robinson spoke as representatives of The Stables Project, on the community based proposals.

Angela Michel spoke about the educational project which catered for 14 pupils who were outside mainstream education for a wide range of reasons. The project worked with pupils on their individual development. There was local community involvement, and the work space could be hired. The project had applied for funding from the Arts Council as the project did not have enough work space.

Paul Robinson outlined how the project met the objectives of the Brief and provided arts and cultural activities for adults and children. If the project was on the site there would be a useful educational link with Science City York, in terms of IT and industry. The project had been recognised by a range of council departments, and would provide jobs. The proposal included a café which would be the central focus of the learning centre.

Officers reported that the scheme was welcomed in terms of the development brief, and Officers could potentially facilitate dialogue with the developer.

Members discussed the following:

• The percentage of the site to be dedicated to Science City York had not been included. The emphasis was to be on Science City York, but the final percentage depended on the master planning process. At this stage Officers did not want to be prescriptive.
• Members raised that residents had made representation against a hotel venue on the site. Officer reported that there had been a mixed response to this proposal and the Tourism Bureau had set out evidence of a need for this.
• There was a desire for Knavesmire Primary School to gain a sports site. It was reported that on pg124 of the agenda, a paragraph had been added in respect of this, and would be discussed with the developer.
• It was raised that removal of the sentence ‘The involvement of the local community in identifying needs is therefore important’ on pg123, paragraph 8.2, weakened community involvement. It was reported that Officers were in a position to encourage the developer but not stipulate terms of the development.
• Members raised that there were a large number of comments relating to transport, and traffic on Bishopthorpe Road, yet Officers had not suggested changes in light of these comments. It was reported that these issues could not be addressed as it was not known exactly what the issues would be. A Traffic Assessment would be carried out in due course and Officers would then consider traffic related comments.
• It was requested that Officers check that the fountain referred to on pg 134 of the consultation responses (Background paper), did in fact have no heritage value.
• The Brief mentioned that any trees that did not add quality to site would be removed. Concerns were raised why all trees could not be kept as the site was large and this would help to retain its character.

• Long bullet-pointed lists should be referenced with numbering.
• On pg119, bullet point 11, it was queried what the term ‘legible’ meant in that context. Officers reported that it was a design term used to describe making something understandable to the public. It was agreed that this term should be explained.
• On pg101, at 4.2, concerns were raised that use of the car park should be related to the site, and the brief should specify this.
• Information regarding the Public Art Strategy 1% for art policy should be brought forward into the Brief.
• It was requested that on pg125, at 8.9, the word ‘encouraged’ be changed to ‘required’, to ensure involvement of Knavesmire Primary School.
• It was requested that the section on bus services on pg 129, at 9.13, be strengthened, so that the financial assistance for bus services should continue until the development was fully occupied.
• Members requested that there should be a requirement for any discount sale affordable housing units that remain unsold, to be made available for affordable rent.

Members requested that their thanks be recorded to all those who had submitted comments.

RESOLVED:             That the attached revised Development Brief be approved, with the above amendments, as non-statutory draft supplementary planning guidance to the City of York Development Control Local Plan, as a basis for negotiating an appropriate scheme to redevelop the site and for considering planning and listed building / conservation area consent applications. 

REASON:                  1. The redevelopment of the site is an important opportunity to provide quality accommodation for a range of uses that will support the York economy and a Development Brief is considered the most appropriate approach for the Council to set out a vision, objectives and clear guidance for a new sustainable employment led mixed use development to create a community of complementary uses.

2. The conservation importance and prominent setting of the site require detailed consideration and a Development Brief is considered the most appropriate approach for the Council to set out the key considerations for the site and requirements of potential developers.