Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to shape the policy approach for retail to be taken forward in the Core Strategy. The paper will inform Members when making decisions on the overall retail strategy for York throughout the LDF period to 2029 to be taken forward within the submission of the draft of the Core Strategy.

The Working Group considered a report which had been prepared to help shape the policy approach for retail to be taken forward in the Core Strategy and to assist in making decisions on the overall retail strategy for York throughout the LDF period to 2029.

It was reported that the approach to retail had been re-looked at by Officers in light of the consultation responses received on the Core Strategy Preferred Options, the impact of the recession on the retail market and the change in policy context brought about by the introduction of ‘Localism’.

Members pointed out that, in the past, when they had been required to consider large reports, annexes and background papers these had been sent out a fortnight prior to the meeting. This then gave members time to study the information and contact officers regarding any issues or points of clarification.

The Chair noted members concerns and asked officers to bear this in mind when sending out future documentation. ^1.

Members raised a number of points and questioned details of the approach taken and the findings and in particular:

• It was important the public were aware of the implications and phasing of retail development and that it was not hidden in the Core Strategy document. Officers confirmed that they would consider how the proposals could be made more accessible to the public to give them the opportunity to make any representations.
• Concern that there had previously been strong feeling against major retail development on the York Central site and the change in position.
• Additional information from the Economics Foundation had been passed to Officers by a Member, for addition to the evidence base, of a recent national report on retail vitality, which included a range of policy solutions and action to transform high streets.
• Confirmation that the work undertaken on the retail assessment by GVA Grimley had taken account of the recession.
• Concern in respect of the climate change framework it was anticipated that retail development would virtually double in the next decade and whether this was realistic or sustainable.
• It was vital that retail development on the York Central site complimented the city centre, it was not just a quantitative issue but also qualitative.
• Had figures for long-term growth taken account of increases in Internet sales to prevent over allocation. Confirmation that the increase in these sales had been built into the figures.
• Whether tram train and bus service allocation on the York Central site were sited close to the station for accessibility.
• Scale issues with retail/office buildings sited close to the listed station building.
• Confirmation that stringent standards would be imposed to ensure that the York Central area would not be car dominated.
• Need to underpin the city centre with a major retailer at Castle/Piccadilly prior to further development elsewhere.

The Chair confirmed that Officers would examine Members comments, which would influence the final document. Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:      i)      That approval be given to the York Retail Topic Paper as set out at Annex A to the report, for publication as part of the LDF evidence base. Subject to Members comments.

ii)  That approval be given to the York Central Retail Assessment Stage 1 and 2, included as background papers to the topic paper, for publication as part of the LDF evidence base.

iii)                That the Director of City Strategy, in consultation with the Executive Member for City Strategy and the City Strategy Opposition Spokesperson, be delegated authority to make any other necessary changes arising from the recommendations of the LDF Working Group, prior to their publication as part of the LDF evidence base.

iv)                That the recommended policy approach to future retail development as set out in paragraphs 95 to 105 of the report be noted as a starting point for developing the approach to retail development in the Core Strategy submission draft.

REASON:       i) and ii) So that the York Central Retail Topic Paper and the York Central Retail Assessments can be used as part of the LDF evidence base.

                         iii) So that any recommended changes can be incorporated in to the York Retail Topic Paper and York Central Retail Assessment.

                         iv) To inform Members of the recommended officer approach to future retail development of the Core Strategy submission draft.