Community Views on the former Yorkshire Bank Site
| Published: 13th February 2008 16:15 |
HAVE YOUR SAY! - Nearly 200 residents of Chapel Allerton met with local councillors and officers to have their say about the proposed development on Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton.
Officers Present:
Councillor Jane Dowson
Martha Hughes - Planning Officer dealing with the proposed site
Mike Darwin - Highways Officer
Phil Ward - Conservation Officer
Phil Roach - Metro
The meeting was an opportunity for the residents of Chapel Allerton to look closely at the proposed plans for the development of the former Yorkshire Bank site and then for them to put all their questions and concerns to the council officers present. (The plans were being donated to CANPLAN after the meeting)
First of all Robin Dove, a resident of Chapel Allerton gave a quick overview of what the site used to be like - common ground part of Chapeltown Common - and what a far cry the proposed development would be from the original use of the land.
Martha Hughes then gave an outline of what the developer is proposing:
- On ground floor there would be four units - one shop, one pharmacy, one retail and the last one either a shop or restaurant.
- On the first floor there would be a Doctors surgery and office space.
- There would be 2 residential blocks - 70 1 & 2 bed appartments in total (25% of these have to be affordable housing, but to date the developer hasn't confirmed this)
- There would also be 200 parking spaces (a poll was taken whether residents wanted this to be free or paying and how long they should be allowed to park there) The consensus seemed to be free for 2 - 3 hours. Although most people don't want it at all!
Martha confirmed that as Chapel Allerton is a designated Town Centre, that the retail plan is supported as it is currently seen to be a gap in a prime retail location.
There were approximately 175 people present and one of the biggest concerns raised was the increase in traffic, safety for pedestrians and general congestion around the area due to more junctions. Mike Darwin (who had not worked directly on this project) listened to all the concerns and promised that these would be looked at by the officer dealing with this case.
Another big concern was the OVER development of the site - everyone understands that something needs to be done with the site, but most people believed that 70 residential flats was far too much and it was almost unanimous that Chapel Allerton didn't need any more restaurants. Also, why another pharmacy when there was one about 50 yards away?
The bus stop being moved caused some concerns as it is being moved from its current spot to The Queens Arms, but it was pointed out that you will also be able to catch the 36 from opposite The Old Police Station.
The height of the development was a major concern for many people as well as the style of architecture which people felt added nothing to the "Village" of Chapel Allerton.
A concern was raised whether the developer would have to stick to planting all the trees and greenery that was on the plans - this was confirmed by Martha.
To conclude, the feelings of the Chapel Allerton residents are still very strongly opposed to the development as it stands, as there are a lot of questions and issues in their minds that still need to be addressed. The fight goes on....
Community Comment:
You will need to sign in to post a comment to this article. if you do not have an AboutMyArea account, you can join now for free.
Traffic is bad on Harrogate road as it is. Imagine at least 70 people leaving for work between 7-8am on that corner!!
Pemanent parking is definetly required even if there is a 3 hour return limit. People who dont want it at all are nuts or and eco-marketing-victims.
I agree that the plans as they stand, although not bad looking, do need to be amended to fall in line with local architecture.
This ISNT a town centre even if its classed as one. And we are NOT headingley, therefore adding to an already mixed pot of new buildings styles with something 'town centre' style wouldnt be great.
Most new recent developments have been sympathetic to local architecture such as '7'. Though Angels share breaks from the norm it does it in an aesthetically pleasing way, rather than a thrown up town style development.
The second pharmacy issue is a non issue. The developers own Hub Bar next door to the existing pharmacy. It stands to reason that they would offer Baskinds a space in the new development with perks, so that they can extend The Hub. Good idea i say.
Finally, It would be nice to see rather than a shop front upto the road style development - something more akin to thegarden area in front of The Arc in Headingley.
It would open up a community space back from the road and present a communal almost second centre to Chapel Allerton and the shops could be positioned around the arc/communal area.
Posts: 1