THE people behind the Spark: York shipping container development have formally applied to ditch plans for wooden cladding around the site.

The development’s directors say insisting they push ahead with the cladding will make the project unaffordable.

They have submitted a formal planning application to vary the conditions of their planning permission, and documents submitted with it say the cost of timber cladding would be “prohibitive” and would make the whole scheme unaffordable.

The papers also say a “meshed metal balustrade” is in place as an alternative way of enclosing the upper level, while work by local artists on the outside of the containers brings colour to the area, and is a “fitting way of bringing an imaginative and well delivered exterior delivery”.

A spokesman for Spark: York said they were pleased to see the application now open for public comment and consultation, and added: “While temporary, our vision has always been to make a tangible and vibrant difference to Piccadilly and encourage visitors to the area through offering something with a different energy and aesthetic.

“We believe we have delivered a unique and impressive final finish that promotes art and celebrates the heritage of the site. We feel this has been proven with positive economic turnover, footfall and social returns on investment.

“We have received significant public support, and hope planners will accept the variation to the condition so that we can continue to support our community of independent local businesses, as well as the wider community.”

The fresh application is due to be decided by a council planning officer by Thursday, July 26, but a council spokesman said it could be “called in” and decided by a committee, at the request of councillors or senior staff.

Spark: York was first given planning permission for the former Reynards site on Piccadilly in early 2017, but revealed in the run up to its opening in May this year that the site would not be clad in timber “as originally presented” because of the rising cost of materials.

That move prompted formal complaints from some, and even calls for the city council to use its position as leaseholder on the site to take action.