Locals to oppose Terry’s schemes until traffic dealt with

3:17pm Tuesday 12th February 2008

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VILLAGERS living near the Terry's site in York have hit out at development plans, claiming they could have a "devastating" impact.

Bishopthorpe Parish Council says it will oppose all planning applications at the former chocolate factory, until a detailed traffic management plan is produced.

As reported in The Press last week, North Yorkshire developer Harrison has submitted a fresh planning application for the site, seeking to build new rooftop offices over a former time-keeping building.

But the parish council has objected, claiming there is no need for the additional office space; the changes are out of keeping with the listed building; and the traffic impact of the scheme would be detrimental.

In a statement submitted by its clerk Cayley Godfrey, the council wrote: "Our concern over the site development has been the issue of traffic generation and its effect on our village.

"Previous traffic surveys or assessments have played down this effect. We now see a piecemeal application which, on paper, would have no effect on the village.

"If this is to be allowed by other separate applications for the site and considered individually, then the total effect, which will be devastating to the village, will be concealed."

The parish council also challenged the traffic figures contained in the report, saying: "Experts using fancy models and criteria may believe these figures, but we are sure the man in the street does not."

The council added: "Until a traffic plan is produced that reflects an accuracy of traffic movements for the whole site and then minimising its effect on Bishopthorpe, the parish council will oppose all applications for the site.

"In addition, for this application, we do not consider the alterations to the time office are in keeping with its status as a listed building."

Micklegate Planning Panel said it was not opposed in principle to the third storey, as it did not think it would be visible from ground level.

But it objected to plans for an extension to the rear, saying it was "completely out of keeping" with the main office.

A Harrison spokesman told The Press that an "in-house travel plan co-ordinator" would encourage people using the site to commit to eco-friendly travel.

He also said the development would be a "beacon scheme" that would retain the fabric and appearance of the listed building.