The Press is reporting that the deal to sell Union Terrace Car Park to the University of York St John looks set for approval.

I can't believe it?

Will we be blessed with another crap (sorry innovative modern) building that obscures views of the Minster for those people living in the North of the City? The existing University of York St. John building created from a few old wooden pallets is already fading eyesore that demonstrates poor use of the available land.

Improved coach facilities provided at St George's Field will be great for those approaching from the South or East but not from the North or West. For those from the North and West it will mean long detours round the ring roads, or short difficult detours through Exhibition Square, over the river, through Rougier Street to Micklegate and back across the river and along towards St George's Field where horror of horrors you have to keep going for another mile round Fishergate and back before you can get in the park, brilliant.

Councillor Gunnell proposes pick up points in 6 places across North York to replace that facility, but some of them make you wonder if she has ever been to York. The already busy places named are Picadilly, Monkgate, Lord Mayor's Walk, Foss Islands Road, Foss Bank and Leeman Road. Surely there will be a cost to set up and sign for these drop off points. None of which it has to be said have a place to turn round (apart from Leeman Road) and head straight back out of the city. How these varied drop off places will help traders in Gillygate keep their businesses going I can't see.

The suggestion is that Monks Cross will provide out of town parking for coaches but will space be available if the new stadium development goes ahead there? Also where will coaches dropping people off at the University of York St John be parking? Oh sorry I forgot, they have their own parking facilities!

Sadly this mess suggests that the Council Leadership do not have a cohesive long term plan that is coupled with active consultation with the people of York.

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here