Agenda item

3.0           Cllrs Gunnell and Crisp had to leave the meeting at this point because, as members of planning committee they cannot be involved in a debate about the planning application. Cllr Riches had to leave the meeting due to another appointment.

3.1    Cllr Fraser said that developer was invited to the meeting, but chosen not to attend.

3.2    Andy Chase has explained to the meeting the application process and offered to go through the current hotel development application with whoever was interested.

3.3           It was explained to the meeting that the application was not yet approved and residents have the right to make a representation and register to speak at Planning Committee meeting next week.

Residents were given opportunity to raise questions.

Q -    Why the developers are not here today?

A -     The developer was invited, but decided not to attend. We have also asked if the developer would like to hold separate meeting that we would advertise and this offer was turned down as well.

Q -    The developer has done absolute minimum regarding the consultation with residents and it’s apparent that there was no good will to make representation to this meeting.

A -     We are not here to defend them, the developer was asked to make the representation to the meeting, but that opportunity was turned down.

Q -    Why the developer is planning to build a hotel, is there a demand for it?

A -     It is entirely up to the developer what their plan for the investment is. We cannot stop developers from making applications.

Q -    The planned hotel is a low budget investment and it might attract drug users and dealers. What will you do in our estate to keep the children safe from drugs? We have asked for the park to be located on that site, not the hotel. What provision are you planning for those children?

A -     We don’t know if the planning permission will be granted and when the developer will proceed with works. They will have 5 years to start works before the planning permission expires. We will address those questions with developer and get back to you. The purpose of the meeting today is to hear your comments and concerns.

A -     I don’t understand the planning application process entirely and how planning officers make their decisions.

Q -           Planning officers make their recommendations purely on the project plan. Police Architectural Liaison Officer will make comments on application on how the development will impact on crime.

Q -    It seems that the planning permission will be granted anyway, as there is press for it in the area. Let the developer pay for the planning permission and then start to protest. Surely developer cannot run the business without local residents support.

A -     Not necessarily, not all submitted applications are going ahead. Residents should make the representation and pass the concerns forward to planning panel. Planning Committee has to consider all aspects before making the decision. There is only one application submitted for that site at the moment.

Q -    Does the developer own the land?

A –           Anyone can submit an application and the ownership of the land do not affect that right.

A -     Do all the applications have to be considered?

Q -    Yes, there is a timetable and all the applications have to go through the same process. There is a charge for submitting an application.

Q -    How soon will we be notified if the development is going ahead?

A -           Planning permission will be published on City of York Council website.

The following comments and queries were raised in the meantime.

·        Resident expressed the concern regarding the impact of the hotel on the traffic and sewers in the area.

·        Keith Chapman, Planning Panel Member, advised the meeting that the method to get their concerns across is to write them down and present the issues at the Planning Committee on Wednesday 15^th June. Notification that they want to speak

·        Resident commented that present owners of the building do not see the future for it and that the proposed development might be beneficial.

The meeting was announced closed at 18:50pm.