PLANNING issues are raising hackles once more in Stockton-on-Forest, where proposals for a conservation area will come under attack at a public meeting.

The City of York Council is consulting local opinion about the proposed conservation area, which would impose strict planning regulations on the village to preserve its character.

Ironically, the recent controversial decision to change the name of the Hopgrove pub to the Stockton-on-Forest Inn could not have been prevented by the conservation area rules.

It lies outside the conservation area planned and in any event restrictions imposed by such areas do not prevent name changes.

However, parish council chairman Cyril Harrison says the conservation area proposals would impose unreasonable restrictions on local householders.

He intends to challenge the council's claim that the costs of such a scheme would be minimal.

Mr Harrison has written to the council, warning them that he intends to raise the issue at a public meeting this month.

He specifically questions the costs of leaflet drops, surveying the area and council officers' time.

"Frankly, the City of York Council say they're strapped for cash and then go ahead with these screwball ideas. It's not going to help the village in any way," said Mr Harrison, who says that in other conservation areas, people have been unable to trim trees or put up a garden shed without planning permission.

However, Bill Wooley, the council's acting director of environmental and development services, said: "It's part of the council's normal business to look at conservation areas, and so it is covered out of existing budgets."

"We are consulting people's views. Mr Harrison has one view and there are opposing views. These areas contain features which merit conservation and it will ensure that they get special protection."

"Certainly prominent trees get better protection in a conservation area, but this issue of garden sheds is not one I've heard before. It's things that detract from the overall amenity that will be considered.

"It's not as Draconian as Mr Harrison fears it will be and that will come out in the consultation process."

A conservation area is also proposed for Fulford, and existing ones in the city are being reviewed and may be extended. Acaster Malbis may also get one.

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