Traffic to be restricted at York St John University campus

The university says that from the start of the new academic year next month, general traffic and delivery vehicles will no longer be able to go beyond the design and technology car park off Clarence Street.

Vice Chancellor David Fleming said he was delighted by the move, adding: “Staff and students will be able to enjoy walking and cycling though the majority of campus without interference from vehicles, and I am sure that this will contribute to the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff on a daily basis.” He said the university was able to restrict parking and access to part of the site because of the addition of St Anthony’s House to the campus.

Subject to planning permission, improvements would be made to routes in and around the building, which would house estates, domestic services and the porter’s lodge.

The university has applied to City of York Council for planning permission for the change of use of St Anthony’s House, situated in Brook Street, from offices to education, and for the demolition and extension of existing buildings, a re-configured vehicular entrance, a new service vehicle lay-by and new cycle stores.

The application says the building was originally used as offices by council staff but they were relocated across the city to West Offices when it opened as the authority’s new headquarters. A planning, design and access statement, submitted to the council by chartered town planning consultants O’Neill Associates, says that in its decision to dispose of the building, the council had reasoned that it would bring the highest possible financial benefits whilst supporting higher education in the city.

“The proposals will require the demolition of the existing storage building adjacent to the west of St Anthony’s House to create a new access to York St John’s University which will consist of a priority T-junction,” it says.

“This will enable service vehicles to enter the proposed parking area.”