News / Grantside granted Terry's development
Grantside granted Terry's development
Friday 5th February 2010
One of the biggest and most economically vital developments York has ever seen is finally about to become a reality.
The city’s political leaders have given the green light for a massive £165 million scheme to transform the former Terry’s factory in Bishopthorpe Road into homes for hundreds of people, two hotels, shops, bars and restaurants, creating more than 2,700 jobs.
Developers Grantside are today celebrating winning planning permission, which was secured at a four-and-a-half hour City of York Council planning meeting last night, 18 months after the company’s original scheme was controversially rejected.
Now they are focusing their sights on starting work on the mammoth scheme after one of the most drawn-out planning sagas in York’s history finally came to an end.
In a reversal of fortunes from the original plans, which were unanimously rejected, 14 members of the planning committee voted in favour of the redevelopment.
One member, Labour’s Ken King, opposed Grantside’s plans, while Green councillor Andy D’Agorne abstained.
Committee member Cllr Ann Reid said: “I think people will always find fault with something like this, but we need to make a decision now.
“Grantside have listened to our original concerns and have adapted their plans.
There may be concerns about extra traffic, but let us not forget that when the Terry’s site was in use before, there was also extra traffic then.
“We have got to show that York is open for business.”
The lone voice of opposition, Cllr King, said: “Like most people, I want to see this development go ahead, but we must get it right.
“I cannot accept this development knowing the traffic problems it would cause."
Yorkshire Forward's Jane Hunt welcomed the application.
She said: “Terry’s is in close proximity to York city centre and the railway station and this decision will bring back to life a significant building. Everyone at Yorkshire Forward welcomes the proposals, especially at a time when the region needs to recover from the recession."
Local Labour councillors, who were not on the committee, said they backed redevelopment of the site but were worried about traffic levels.
Cllr Dave Merrett said the plans were “incredibly intensive”.
He said: “This is meant to be an attractive, viable site for employers – not one that detracts from a beautiful, historic building.”
Cllr Sandy Fraser added: “We still have reservations, chiefly on the traffic we will see from the site."
Speaking at the meeting, Steve Davis, managing director of Grantside, the developer behind the plans, urged the committee to back them.
“This is not merely a revisal but a brand new document from a blank canvas. Let’s show that this city is open for business and reinforce the message that this is a great place to live, work and play."
Conservative leader Ian Gillies said: “No application will ever meet all our expectations, but I am impressed by various amendments and hard work by Grantside over the past 18 months to bring forward this revised and improved application."
Liberal Democrat Richard Moore said the new plan was a “far better proposal” than the previous one.
For more information, visit the York Press here.
