Agenda item

Members considered a full application from Mr Paul Herring of City of York Council for the change of use from retail (use class A1) to youth cafe and associated offices, meeting and training space. The Committee agreed to discuss the application for listed building consent (Minute 11c refers) alongside this application.

Officers expanded on the details of the proposals contained within the report. They explained that these would include a gallery area and multi use space, meeting rooms, office space, a stage area and a cafe area. Its uses could include provision for clubs covering art, dance, creative writing, sci-fi and drama and the ability to host quiz night and band performances as well as other uses.

Representations were received from the applicant on behalf of City of York Council in support  of the application. He advised the Committee that he had taken on this project as Chair of York Young People’s Trust and advised that they have the city council and St Michael the Belfry as partners with support from York CVS and other organisations. He explained that the aim was to provide a space for young people to be able to go to and consider it to be their own and that this should be in the city centre, somewhere safe, warm and comfortable with support available from other services. He advised that he would ensure that the specific conditions which had been put forward would be adhered to. He circulated some photographs of the area inside the building which had been digitally enhanced to show how the space would appear.

In response to a question regarding cycle parking outside the building, he advised that space was limited but explained that dedicated cycle parking was available in the town centre including opposite Betty’s tea rooms and this  was covered by CCTV. Officers confirmed that applications for new uses within the city centre did not require cycle racks to be provided but envisaged the use of existing racks in the city centre.

Members discussed how young people with special access requirements would be able to gain entry to the building. They noted that this would be via a separate entrance where a ramp could be temporarily placed to allow access to the building. They recognised that this was not ideal and were advised that the relevant young people would be consulted on a suitable system which could be put in place which would allow them to alert staff who would then provide assistance as required. Members stressed the importance of this being properly managed and monitored.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report.

REASON:                  The proposal, subject to the conditions listed in the report, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to the impact on heritage assets, the vitality and viability of the street and the city centre, amenity and crime and disorder. As such the proposal complies with Policies GP1, GP3, HE3, HE4, S5 and S6 of the City of York Development Control Local Plan.