Terry’s factory planning delay

8:40am Friday 18th July 2008

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PLANNERS behind the redevelopment of the former Terry’s factory in York are facing another month’s delay.

Grantside Limited had already waited 20 months to have its planning application considered by City of York Council, but was set to finally have its case heard next week.

However the application has now been postponed until August 28 at the earliest.

Peter Callaghan, development director for Grantside, said the delay was “frustrating” but added: “These things happen.”

He said there had been a “misinterpretation” over part of Grantside’s plans, which led the council to ask some additional questions. He said Grantside had responded within a couple of days, but by that time the planning application had had to be put back again.

A council spokeswoman said: “The Terry’s application was expected to go to the planning committee meeting on Thursday, July 24. However, there are a number of issues that have not yet been finalised, which mean that the application cannot go before committee yet.

“It is hoped that the report will go to the August planning committee.”

Last week, residents in Bishopthorpe Road called for the application’s hearing to be postponed due to their concerns about parking, but Mr Callaghan said that was not the reason for the deferral.

As reported in The Press, parking restrictions are proposed in Bishopthorpe Road to reduce the impact of extra traffic when the factory undergoes a huge redevelopment.

Residents say they have only recently become aware of the proposals, and leaflets have been distributed to residents, warning of the proposals.

It read: “You Can’t Park Here. This is what York Council could be saying to local residents in the near future.

“Where will the residents of Bishopthorpe Road park? Where will your friends and family park? This will put pressure on already congested parking in the whole area. Displaced cars from Bishopthorpe Road will seek alternative spaces in other local streets and roads.”

The leaflet also warned the change could affect the values of properties.

The council has said previously that residents can comment on the application right up until it goes to committee, so the extra month will give locals more chance to have their say.