Agenda item

This application relates to the off-road foot path and cycle track between Wigginton Road, adjacent to the northern entrance to the Nestle factory site, and running across Bootham Stray in a northerly direction to Alder Way, at the southern point of New Earswick village.  [Huntington/New Earswick Ward].

Members considered an application for the installation of solar powered LED lights on a shared use path at Bootham Stray between Wigginton Road and Alder Way.

Officers updated that 3 additional letters had been received since the report had been written.

• An individual had written to express concerns about the application including whether it is appropriate for Bootham Stray.
• York Cycle Campaign had written to express support, particularly regarding the improvements to night-time safety for cyclists.
• The Safer York Partnership expressed concerns about the proposal as it may encourage people to use an isolated route.

Representation in support of the application was heard from Paul Hepworth for the National Pedal Cyclists Organisation CTC. He advised Members that the LED lights had been successfully trialled in Cambridge and Peterborough. He felt that the existence of the lights on the Stray would increase usage of the path and therefore make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. He suggested that if the application were to be approved, it would be useful for the path to be fitted with detector equipment to determine before and after data to see if the lights increase usage of the path.

Members queried whether the LED lights were theft proof. Officers confirmed the lights would be sunken into the path and resin bonded, and impossible to remove.

Councillor Moore raised concerns regarding the effect the LED lights would have on wildlife and the green belt and whether the Countryside Officer’s current bid for Stewardship for the area would be affected if the lights were to be installed. He moved deferral of the application for one month in order for further investigation of these issues to take place.

Councillor Taylor raised concerns about aspects of crime as the area has minimal surveillance and he felt there would be an increased danger to pedestrians if the lights were to be installed. He moved refusal of the application on that basis.

Other Members felt that the amount of light omitted from LED lights would  not be sufficient enough to cause any problems in the area. As the application is for a trial of the lights which has been worked on by officers for some time, they felt it should be allowed to go ahead, and if proved successful, could be used in other areas of York. Councillor King moved approval and Councillor Firth seconded.

Councillor Moore moved deferral of the application for one month and Councillor Pierce seconded. Following a tie between deferral and approval, the Chair used his casting vote and the application was approved.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved subject to the conditions detailed in the officers report.¹

REASON:                  In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposal subject to the conditions in the officers report, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to the openness and visual amenities of the York Green Belt, sustainability, residential amenity and highway safety. As such the proposal complies with Policy YH9 and Y1C of the Yorkshire and Humber Plan, policies GP1 and GB1 of the City of York Development Control Local Plan and Government Policy contained within Planning Policy Statement 1 ‘Delivering Sustainable Development’ and Planning Policy Guidance note 2 ‘Green Belts’.