Decision details

Purpose of Report: To update the Executive Member on the impact of the implementation of the A Board Policy in the City Centre and to provide the results of a review of the impact of A Boards in other areas outside of the city centre.

The Executive Member will be asked to consider the results of the review and the potential for the policy to be considered for extension to other areas of the city.

Resolved: That the Executive Member approves:

(i)      the continuation of the prohibition policy on ‘A’ Boards consistent with the policy and the geographical area remaining the same (BID boundary)

(ii)      the continuation of the licensing procedures available to any business situated along Micklegate, as again defined in the policy street map. The licensing fee will be included in the annual review of fees and charges.

(iii)     that outside of the BID boundary, no formal policy is to be introduced. However, in line with extant duty and responsibility (under the provisos of the Highways Act 1980 and the Equality Act 2010) that officers will continue to monitor and take any appropriative action with regards to ‘A’ Boards, considered to be impacting on the use of the public highway, in all other areas within the authority boundary

(iv)    that officers ensure that the continuation of the policy within the BID boundary is communicated through appropriate channels, including directly with the BID, Make it York and York Retail Forum.

Reason: 

(i)      To continue to provide adequate control of the many and varied obstructions (particularly for those with impaired mobility for example, blind and/or partially sighted) temporarily located on the public highway. This taking into account of the Council’s responsibilities under the Highways Act 1980, the Equality Act 2010 and Town & Country Planning Act 1990.

(ii)      To mitigate the impact on the visual amenity of the conservation area and setting of the many listed buildings in the city centre.

(iii)     To contribute to the removal of street clutter, improve the street scene and public realm.