Residential street set for further over-development as a result of Government intervention

The recent refusal by the Council’s East Area Planning Committee of a planning application for 93 Newland Park Drive has been overruled by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate, following an appeal by the applicant.

The original refusal took into account representations by local residents and Hull Road Labour Councillor Neil Barnes, and concluded that further excessive development in the street would be detrimental to the local community.

On appeal by the applicant, the Government’s Planning Inspectorate disregarded local views and the decision by York councillors.

Coun. Neil Barnes said: “Since my election in May 2011, I have worked tirelessly to scrutinise all planning applications in the area, particularly where developers sought to create ‘super-homes’ out of what were sensibly-sized family houses.

“I have attempted to call these developers to account and resist the drive away from sustainable mixed communities. On several occasions I have represented the views of residents at planning committee – particularly regarding Newland Park Drive, which is a hotspot for development of these overbearing super-homes.

“On several occasions, I have found the decisions of the planning committee overruled by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. This completely disregards the valid views of local residents and the councillors representing them and makes a mockery of the Government’s localism agenda”.

Tackling the problem of fly-tipping across the ward

As Hull Road ward councillors, we’re incredibly proud of the area we represent and we always want it to be looking at its best. However, we dealt with a number of concerns where small pockets of areas across the ward are looking neglected, with minor fly-tipping being a frequent problem.

We’ve contacted letting agents to ensure that they are assisting tenants moving out of houses in the summer or at the end of the University term. This has help build relationships between landlords and longer-term residents. We’re now turning our attention to tackling rogue landlords who are neglecting the visual aspects of the properties they own.

Coun. Fiona Fitzpatrick said: “We are also working closely with the council’s street environment officers to ensure that areas of concerns are dealt with quickly and then regularly monitored – for example, with bin stores in the Olympian Court area of Hull Road ward.”

Pedestrian safety on Newland Park Drive

 Residents have contacted Hull Road ward councillors to express concern at the speed of cyclists when using the cut-through between Newland Park Drive, Garrow Hill and Green Dykes Lane. For pedestrians and residents entering/leaving their homes, cyclists travelling at high speed are creating unsafe conditions.

We, as ward councillors, have worked with both residents and council officers – developing good relationships resulting in effective solutions. Residents can soon look forward to a barrier being installed which will reduce cycle speeds whilst maintaining good access for pedestrians.

Coun. Fiona Fitzpatrick said: “This measure is not to penalise cyclists but to encourage more sensible speeds, ensuring that both cyclists and pedestrians can move about safely. We’re using growing relationships with council officers and residents to find effective solutions for issues across the ward.”