Agenda item

(i)           To debate a petition signed by 1,236 people asking the Council to rethink Cabinet’s plan to close Lendal Bridge for a 6 month trial and stop the ensuing gridlock in York. The petitioners state that “the planned closure of Lendal bridge will have a dire effect on pollution, traffic and business in York. Motorists will be forced to use the 3 already busy bridges crossing the river Ouse causing more traffic build up and pollution”. The ePetition runs from 28/04/2013 to 28/09/2013.  [An explanatory report is attached to the agenda]

(ii)         To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order No.7.  To date, notice has been received of 6 such petitions as follows:

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Ann Reid opposing Labour's plans to use Green Belt land across York to build 22,000 houses on over the next 15 years.

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the proposals in the council's Local Plan for the development of land lying between Wetherby Road and Knapton Village. We believe that the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the rural setting of the western approach to the city which will otherwise begin to merge with the outer ring road.

·        A petition to be presented byCllr Lynn Jeffries objecting to the proposal in the Council’s Local Plan for the development of land lying between the existing urban area and the ring road. We wish to see this land retained in the “Green Belt”. Instead we believe that the Council should concentrate any new buildings at previously developed, but now unused, sites such as Terry’s, Nestle South, British Sugar and the area behind the station. We specifically object to the inclusion of part of Acomb Moor as a development site (H9) in the Council’s Local Plan. We believe the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the western approach to the City and avoids the dominance that any building near the Great Knoll would have on the surrounding area. The Moor is an important informal recreation amenity for local residents and this should be recognised in the Local Plan.

·        A petition to be presented byCllr Lynn Jeffries calling upon the council to install a dog deterring fence around the play area off Grange Lane (next to Westfield School). We ask that more dog dirt bins, and litter bins, are provided close to the play equipment so that the health hazards, resulting from dog fouling and broken glass, can be tackled and to ensure that children can play safely on the equipment.

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Keith Aspden calling on City of York Council to give residents in Fulford a fairer deal and improve the road surfaces particularly in Fulford Park, Cherry Wood Crescent, Eastward Avenue and St Oswald’s Road.

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the designation of land west of Woodthorpe for house building (ST10). Successive local plans have indicated that this land is important in enhancing York’s rural setting. The nearby Askham Bogs nature reserve could be adversely affected by any development.   Residents are concerned that the development in this area would exacerbate the traffic congestion problems which are already evident at certain times of the day. We therefore petition that the land continue to be included in the “Green Belt.”

A.          Petition regarding proposed Lendal Bridge trial closure

In view of the number of signatories, over 1,200 people, the e-petition asking the Council to rethink Cabinet’s plan to close Lendal Bridge for a 6 month trial and stop the ensuing gridlock in York, was then discussed by members.

Councillor Reid moved and Councillor Aspden seconded that Standing Orders be suspended to allow Members to take a decision on the Lendal Bridge petitions request.

On being put to the vote the Motion was LOST.

Following the debate the Lord Mayor confirmed that the Cabinet Member would take note of the petition when considering the consultation responses.

B.          Petitions Presented Under Standing Order 7

Under Standing Order 7, petitions were presented by:

i)             Cllr Ann Reid opposing Labour's plans to use Green Belt land across York to build 22,000 houses on over the next 15 years.^1.

ii)       Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the proposals in the council's Local Plan for the development of land lying between Wetherby Road and Knapton Village. We believe that the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the rural setting of the western approach to the city which will otherwise begin to merge with the outer ring road. ^2.

iii)          Cllr Lynn Jeffries objecting to the proposal in the Council’s Local Plan for the development of land lying between the existing urban area and the ring road. We wish to see this land retained in the “Green Belt”. Instead we believe that the Council should concentrate any new buildings at previously developed, but now unused, sites such as Terry’s, Nestle South, British Sugar and the area behind the station. We specifically object to the inclusion of part of Acomb Moor as a development site (H9) in the Council’s Local Plan. We believe the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the western approach to the City and avoids the dominance that any building near the Great Knoll would have on the surrounding area. The Moor is an important informal recreation amenity for local residents and this should be recognised in the Local Plan. ^3.

iv)       Cllr Lynn Jeffries calling upon the council to install a dog deterring fence around the play area off Grange Lane (next to Westfield School). We ask that more dog dirt bins, and litter bins, are provided close to the play equipment so that the health hazards, resulting from dog fouling and broken glass, can be tackled and to ensure that children can play safely on the equipment. ^4.

v)        Cllr Keith Aspden calling on City of York Council to give residents in Fulford a fairer deal and improve the road surfaces particularly in Fulford Park, Cherry Wood Crescent, Eastward Avenue and St Oswald’s Road. ^5.

vi)                 Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the designation of land west of Woodthorpe for house building (ST10). Successive local plans have indicated that this land is important in enhancing York’s rural setting. The nearby Askham Bogs nature reserve could be adversely affected by any development.   Residents are concerned that the development in this area would exacerbate the traffic congestion problems which are already evident at certain times of the day. We therefore petition that the land continue to be included in the “Green Belt.” ^6.