A RADICAL alternative to City of York Council’s Castle Gateway masterplan has been produced by an environmental watchdog.

York Tomorrow has put forward its counter proposals as the authority’s executive prepares to consider its scheme for the Castle Car Park and Eye of York area near Clifford’s Tower this evening.

The alternative plans include paving over the Eye of York to create an event venue and parade square, where a big screen could be sited, and grassed parkland for the whole area of the car park.

York Tomorrow was set up some 15 years ago to fight original proposals for a major retail development near Clifford’s Tower.

Chair Philip Crowe says those plans were refused permission after a public inquiry, with the inspector’s report saying that the area was a cultural asset of the highest importance, and the buildings and archaeological remains were of the greatest significance, and any proposals for redevelopment must have regard to this.

He said: “The precinct should be redesigned to provide a fully accessible public open space to complement the Museum Gardens on the northern side of the inner city.

“It should provide for relaxation and enjoyable activity at a number of levels, so it becomes an attraction for all age groups.”

He said that under York Tomorrow’s proposals, the outlined foundations of a former prison would be revealed, and a lightweight event structure would form a visually permeable boundary to the east, allowing access to the River Foss.

“The Eye of York will be paved to allow for public parades, rallies and limited entertainments, bearing in mind the requirements of the Ministry of Justice.”

Deputy council leader Andrew Waller said the proposals were "jumping the gun on the process" as the masterplan did not currently detail how the land would be used, should the executive agree to start the process to move the Castle Car Park from the area around Clifford’s Tower.

“The MyCastleGateway Community Consultation Process has engaged with a large number of people and organisations across the city, and will continue this process to finalise the use of the space around the Castle Museum and Cliffords Tower,” he said.

“So any residents, including the members of York Tomorrow, are welcome to input to that dialogue as part of the ongoing process.”

Council leader Ian Gillies said the masterplan had been drawn up in response to what people had said they wanted during the public consultation, and York Tomorrow’s proposals would have been better raised during that process.