A ROW over electric car charging points broke out at a City of York Council planning meeting.

Councillors discussed plans to convert an office building at 46 to 48 Bootham into 13 apartments and for a new cottage to be built at the site. Committee members heard that there are plans for eight parking spaces, with one electric charging point. But Cllr Jonny Crawshaw told the meeting: “I think as a point of principle we should be being more ambitious than just putting one electric driving point into any development of this size.”

But Cllr Peter Dew said: “I’m amazed that these comments are coming from a party that would like to see vehicles banned from the city centre. If I was living there I’d walk into town. I really don’t see that it’s that much of a problem.”

Cllr Ian Gillies argued: “Are you going to ask for 25 per cent of electric charging points on everything? We can encourage people to do it, that’s absolutely fine. But I think to put 25 percent on this - two out of eight - whilst it might be very worthy, the percentage of electric cars that are on the road is nowhere near 25 per cent. It’s a step too far.”

Cllr Mary Cannon said: “We’re not saying let’s go back and put lots more electric charging points in existing car parks. More people are using electric vehicles now. It’s a pity the Conservatives can’t keep up with this kind of thing. We should be seriously thinking about the health of our children and grandchildren.”

Planning permission was approved with an amendment recommending more electric charging points.