York Council wastes £600,000

Labours 20 mph speed limits are not working

Figures gained from the York Council by the Liberal Democrats under Freedom of information legislation confirm what most had suspected.

The new “signed only”20 mph speed limits have had little effect on vehicle speeds.

In the South Bank area—where the lower limits were introduced 2 years ago—the average speed of vehicles on several roads has actually INCREASED

On Prices Lane average speeds are up from 21 to 23 mph with a similar picture on part of Scarcroft Road (22 to 23 mph)

On most roads the average speed is the same as it was when the limit was set at 30 mph.

This is in line with results from other parts of the country.

Only in relatively narrow terraced streets—and on one section of Bishopthorpe Road itself—has there been a reduction in speeds, but even there it has usually been less than 1 mph.

When leaving the City on Bishopthorpe Road at a point near Rectory Gardens the majority of driver’s are now travelling at 29 mph rather than the 33 recorded before the change to a 20 mph limit.

The Council has declined so far to publish an analysis of accident rates in the new 20 mph areas. However the numbers Killed or Seriously Injured on all York’s roads last year—the first since resources were focused on introducing 20 mph speed limits—increased from the 51, recorded in 2012, to 58.

Tudor Road speed limit confusion click

Local Councillor Ann Reid said,

“We should set the most appropriate speed limit for each urban road.

People understand 20 zones with speed tables at schools, shops and major crossing points, but there is now a confused mix of 30mph and 20 mph roads around our area.”

The FOI data for South Bank can be downloaded by clicking here

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Andrew Waller who is the LibDem candidate in the Westfield ward by election on 16th October has produced the following evidence of confusion over speed limits.

“There is no better example, of the muddled way in which the new “wide area” speed limits were introduced, than on Tudor Road. (see pictures above right)

Vehicles approaching from Stuart Road are told that a 30 mph limit is in force.

Meanwhile motorists already on Tudor Road are told that the limit has changed—to 20 mph— about 100 metres before the road junction.

Small wonder that the Police aren’t able to enforce the speed limits and that motorists are confused”

Big City Read author signs off at Acomb Explore

Join us for the Big City Read 2014 finale event at Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre on 24 September with the York-based author of this year’s chosen novel, The Orpheus Descent.

After a summer of 24 events held in libraries across the city alongside associated events held by partners, Big City Read author Tom Harper will bring this year’s Big City Read to a close on Wednesday 24 September at 6.30 pm. The event is free but booking is advised through any Explore York Library.

Tom will reminisce on his experiences of being this year’s featured author, the events he has taken part in and will give a taste of some of the other books he has written to take Big City Read participants’ reading further.

The Big City Read issues 5,000 copies of the chosen title to residents to read over the summer. Books always have some link to York and the book for this year, The Orpheus Descent is by local writer Tom Harper. Tom came up with the idea for the book from reading in the University of York Library, which he researched in more depths in York’s libraries before writing the novel in York.

Big City Readers have given Explore York Libraries feedback on The Orpheus Descent including: “A well-crafted archaeological adventure with a fast-moving narrative thread and telling descriptive passages”, “A thought-provoking read” and “A rattling good yarn by a new-to-me teller of tall tales! If they’re all as entertaining as this, then I’d happily read his others.”

Fiona Williams, Chief Executive of Explore York, said: “It has been another successful Big City Read and we would like to thank Tom for all the time he has given us. I loved the book and am now reading another of his about the Crusades.”

Community Stadium – Unanswered questions to get public airing

Call for business case and Yearsley guarantee

Liberal Democrat councillors are calling for guarantees over the future of Yearsley Pool and more information on the financial plan for York’s Community Stadium.

The Lib Dems have ‘called-in’ the Labour Cabinet’s decision last week to approve plans for York’s Community Stadium.

The decision will now be re-considered at a cross-party scrutiny meeting on Friday 26^th September.

Under the latest plans for the stadium and leisure complex at Huntington, total costs for the scheme rise to £37m and the Council will borrow an extra £4m towards financing the project.

The plans have been attacked by users of Yearsley Pool, which could close under the proposals, and York City Knights, whose chairman says the scheme would leave the club “70% worse off”.
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Unemployed numbers down in York

Figures released today (17 September) by the Office for National Statistics have shown the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) has fallen by 42.8 per cent since August 2013.

Today’s figures means the number of claimants in York has fallen for the sixth consecutive month.

The statistics show there to be 1,441 claimants in York, a decrease of 75 from last month.

The claimant count represents 1.1 per cent of the working population contrasts to the regional average which stands at 3 per cent.

The figures are also much lower than the national average which is currently 2.3 per cent.

Today’s figures mean there are 1,010 less claimants than in August 2013.

York Council urged to come clean on Green waste charges

Westfield Liberal Democrat campaigner Andrew Waller is demanding that Labour-led City of York Council comes clean on whether it plans to introduce charges for green waste collections.

He has sought an assurance that ruling Labour councillors have no plans to introduce a charge covering all green bin collections. At present, residents are charged £35 annually for the collection of a second green bin.

Local Liberal Democrats have highlighted a fall in recycling rates, which has been linked to the scrapping of green waste collections between November and March, and the closure of the well-used Beckfield Lane recycling centre. The tip’s closure in 2012 was ordered by Westfield Labour councillor Dafydd Williams when he was the Cabinet member for Environment.

Andrew Waller commented:

“Local residents are rightly angry that the council spent £13,000 on leaflets and stickers telling them that green bin collections are free, when we already knew that because it’s what we pay our council tax for. It would be an outrage if Labour were to now perform a u-turn and introduce charges for all green bin collection.

“Many people I have met in recent months are fed up with the green bin collections stopping before the leaves fall, especially now that they don’t have the option of going to Beckfield Lane tip. People who swept up leaves in public areas were doing the council and public a service by dealing with them before they became a slip hazard – but now their green bins are full from the end of October until March.

“I am concerned that any new charge brought in would lead to a further increase in fly-tipping, which of course costs money to clean up.

“People will not put up with any more decisions being made behind closed doors and so I am challenging James Alexander’s Cabinet to rule it out now. They have taken a service which was part of York’s strength as a green city, and trashed it.”

Hob Moor nature reserve at risk

Farmer forced to remove cattle from nature reserve

Work is taking place on Hob Moor to install a new drain. The system will serve the new development on the former Our Lady’s school site.

It is understood that the work has forced a farmer to remove his cattle from the moor.

The development has always been unpopular with many as it was almost twice the size originally envisaged.

In addition the impact on traffic in the area is expected to be significant with many fearing that lack of parking space could cripple the estate. Already narrow roads like Ashford Place and Ascot Way are bearing the brunt of noise and vibration. from construction traffic.

However concerns about the Hob Moor nature reserve have been ignored by the Labour dominated planning committee when the developer has come back with several requests for modifications to their plans.

We understand that concerns have been raised with English Nature

Inadequate drainage in the area was one concern which led to a significant change to the site height about a month ago

Latest Planning applications Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Dringhouses and Woodthorpe ward.

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

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Location: 11 The Spinney York YO24 1JP

Proposal: Single storey front extension

Ref No: 14/01969/FUL

Applicant: Mr Gordon Holdsworth Contact Mr Keith England Consultation Expiry Date 29 September 2014Case Officer: Sandra Duffill Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location: Knavesmire Manor Hotel 302 Tadcaster Road York YO24 1HE

Proposal: Demolition of single storey building containing swimming pool together with associated buildings

Ref No: 14/02002/FUL

Applicant: The Knavesmire Venture LLP Contact Mr Ian Atkinson Consultation Expiry Date 29 September 2014 Case Officer: Clare Davies Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location: 20 Dringthorpe Road York YO24 1NF

Proposal: Single storey side and rear extension

Ref No: 14/02017/FUL

Applicant: Mr Anthony Flint Consultation Expiry Date 29 September 2014 Case Officer: Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location: 9 The Grove York YO24 1XD

Proposal: Crown reduce by 25% Horse Chestnut (T8) to reduce weight on large limbs. Tree protected by Tree Preservation Order CYC 8,

Ref No: 14/02069/TPO

Applicant: Andrew Cook Contact Stephen Evans Consultation Expiry Date 29 September 2014 Case Officer: Esther Priestley Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location: 18 Chalfonts York YO24 1EX

Proposal: Two storey detached dwelling to side of no.18 after demolition of existing single storey extension (revised scheme)

Ref No: 14/00846/FUL

Applicant: Mr Richard Smith Contact Mark Tabert Consultation Expiry Date 8 October 2014 Case Officer: Jonathan Kenyon Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location: A Platt 36 Middlethorpe Grove York YO24 1JS

Proposal: Conversion of retail unit (use Class A1) to 1no. dwellinghouse(s) (class C3) under Class IA, Part 3, Schedule 2 of Article 3 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, as Amended

Ref No: 14/02043/RFPRES

Applicant: Mahdlo Investments Limited Contact Mr James Gibson Consultation Expiry Date 6 October 2014Case Officer: Heather Fairy (Mon – Wed) Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location: 306 Tadcaster Road York YO24 1HE

Proposal: Conversion of existing outbuildings into 1no. dwelling with single storey side extension with new access from Nelsons Lane

Ref No: 14/02074/FUL

Applicant: Mr Mark Pullan Contact Mr Kenny Brown Consultation Expiry Date 8 October 2014 Case Officer: Heather Fairy (Mon – Wed) Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location: 306 Tadcaster Road York YO24 1HE

Proposal: Conversion of existing outbuildings into 1no. dwelling with single storey side extension with associated landscaping and parking

Ref No: 14/02076/LBC

Applicant: Mr Mark Pullan Contact Mr Kenny Brown Consultation Expiry Date 8 October 2014 Case Officer: Heather Fairy (Mon – Wed) Expected Decision Level DEL

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Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site. http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

NB. The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received.

York Normandy Veterans project

To mark 70 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy, Explore York Libraries and Archives is collecting memories from members of the York Normandy Veterans Association, as part of the York: Gateway to History project, which has been supported with a £1,574,200 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.

In June, the York Veterans joined others from across the country to gather in Normandy and attend memorial services for those lost during the Second World War. The visit brought back memories of friends and family lost, but it also sparked concern about their wartime archive collections and the legacy they leave behind.
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Labour still planning population growth of 40,000 in York over next 15 years.

5000 homes lopped from Local Plan following unprecedented number of objections as residents force short term reprieve for Moor Lane development.

Stables housing site on Tadcaster Road

Labour have revealed a “new” Local Plan which commits them to building around 1000 home s per year on average during the next 15 years. A higher rate is planned of the next 6 years

This means that the size of the City will increase by over 20% during the period up to 2030.

Net internal population growth (births minus deaths) is around 1000 a year on average

With home occupancy at over 2 persons per dwelling, this generates a demand for around 500 additional homes each year.

The others will be occupied by inward migrants.

The Council statement says,

“In order to continue maximising the delivery of housing, new targets have been proposed in the plan to a minimum of 996 homes per annum over the Local Plan period. For the first six years sufficient land will be earmarked to build 1,170 homes per annum, delivering 16,980 over the life time of the plan, to accommodate a population growth of around 40,000 people over the next 15-years

The previous target was 1090 – 1250 new and affordable homes per year up to 2030. Amendments to the portfolio of sites reflect up to date evidence base work. Approach to density is National Planning Policy framework (NPPF) compliant”.

The latest draft of the Local Plan gives residents some hope that the proposed development of 17 hectares of land on Moor Lane (enough for 500 houses) will not happen in the foreseeable future. Labour is now proposing that this area should be “safeguarded” and not developed until after 2030.

In welcoming the change Lib Dem Councillor Ann Reid said “I am in no doubt that the number of residents who objected to this site through letters, emails and petitions helped bring this change about. However we cannot be complacence as developers will continue to fight to be allowed to develop this land. I shall continue to support resident in a bid to completely remove the land from the plan.”

Meanwhile the other sites in Dringhouses and Woodthorpe are still included.

The proposals are for 116 houses at the Stables/Cherry Lane and 50 at the old Park and Ride site.

The land behind The Square has been reduced in size following representations from The Hospice with 49 houses proposed instead of the original 65.

Despite the overall drop in numbers and Labour claiming a “brownfield first” policy, 80% of the proposed development will take place on green field sites.

NB. A reference to a gypsy Caravan site being constructed on Moor Lane actually refers to Wetherby Road between the A1237 and Rufforth. Two sites are proposed. Neither were included in last year’s consultation process

Draft Local Plan download

Committee agenda and papers click here http://tinyurl.com/LPYork22

Late night roadworks at Walmgate Bar prompt resident anger

Sleepless nights as work overruns evening deadline

For the second night running, resurfacing works near Walmgate Bar have extended beyond the 11:00pm deadline.

Local residents have complained that they had been given no notice of the changes to working hours which were announced 2 weeks ago.

Earlier in the week a fractured water main was blamed for congestion but the Council have yet to explain the cause of the latest delays.

The Council originally said that works would be restricted to the period between the hours of 6.30pm and 11.00pm.

The works are scheduled to be finished by 19^th September.

For details any emergency works on Walmgateafter 11pm @YorkshireWater @YWHelp can advise

— City of York Council (@CityofYork) September 12, 2014

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Cllr Stephen Fenton, Cllr Ashley Mason & Cllr Paula Widdowson

Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Liberal Democrats