The race to take control of City of York Council is nearing its end, with only seven days left before voters go to the polls. In the second of five articles focusing on key York issues, Evening Press political reporter Richard Edwards questions the leaders of the four largest parties on the proposed Hungate and York Central developments.

The question:

York Central and the Hungate redevelopment projects are the biggest planning applications to face our city in decades. Do you back the proposals, or do you have concerns that they might blight the landscape and skyline?

THE ANSWERS:

Dave Merrett, Labour.

Labour supports urban redevelopment - where it is well designed and fits the area. Simply copying Leeds is not acceptable. Labour will protect the Minster's dominance of the York skyline. New buildings must look good, be of the right scale and complement our historic areas. York Central could provide a model of modern

"sustainable" development, with a central business area right behind the railway station and new transport interchange, and with new housing and leisure opportunities for all. Both sites offer exciting prospects, but need continued well-led consultation and robust negotiation with developers, areas in which Labour is well experienced.

Steve Galloway, Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrats have consistently supported the conservation of both the built and natural heritage of our unique city.

We welcome the published planning briefs for both these sites. We see the regeneration of underused or derelict sites within the urban core as key to providing more homes and jobs for York residents.

With careful design and positioning we do not feel that building - in appropriate locations - to four or five stories would significantly affect the skyline. Good quality city centre developments like the St Peter's Quarter on Leeman Road, are popular, reduce pressures on the transport system and re-energise life in our historic city.

John Galvin, Conservatives

I think both of these sites have excellent potential for development and I have no hesitation in supporting the development of both sites. Both sites provide an opportunity to provide new communities, which will be to the benefit of York. However, both sites must be developed in a sympathetic way whilst allowing for innovation and imagination. I don't think that the landscape or the skyline needs to be spoilt in any way, considering the current landscape and skyline of these two sites.

Andy D'Agorne, Green Party

York Central and Hungate offer unique opportunities to create outstanding examples of urban architecture and planning. They should be designed to increase quality of life and minimise the problems of traffic, energy use and waste disposal. The height and design of the Hungate development cause concern. High quality, well-designed buildings, appropriate to their location, are particularly important for an historic city like York.

Since surrounding roads are already full to capacity, York Central will have to be designed to minimise car use and incorporate innovative public transport facilities. The proposed road access via Queen Street is a major concern.

Updated: 09:36 Thursday, April 24, 2003