Plans for development to replace football ground to be revealed
Plans for the what could replace York City FC’s Bootham Crescent ground will revealed later this month, but the club has said it is ‘disappointed’ so little notice has been served about a public consultation.
Persimmon Homes is to hold a consultation, starting from 20 September, on the 4.24-acre site for residents living in the Bootham Crescent area of York. The housebuilder has a long history with the club and is looking to develop the site once the club moves to a community stadium, which is being built at Monks Cross. It is expected to relocate next summer.
York City FC’s stadium development director, Ian McAndrew, however raised concerns about the way in which the consultation had been announced.
McAndrew said: “The consultation event is an essential part of the planning process if permission is to be granted for development on the Bootham Crescent site.
“The club, however, is surprised and disappointed that little notice has been served, especially as any future application for planning permission will need to be made under the joint names of Persimmon Homes and York City Football Club.
“The club feels that supporters – as well as residents – should be given an opportunity to comment on proposals for the future development of the site, which has been home to York City Football Club since 1932.”
He added that the club had recently instructed Savills property consultants’ specialist residential development team to act on its behalf to ensure that Persimmon’s proposals maximise the benefits of a site which occupies an important location close to the city centre.
The site will have to be developed in accordance with City of York Council’s local plan which has now been sent to the government for approval.
McAndrew added: “We are all well aware that planning can be a lengthy process and we now look forward to working closely with Persimmon over the coming months in order to achieve the best outcome for all the parties involved in this important project.
“Bootham Crescent has been the club’s home for 86 years and, whilst we are looking forward to relocating into new and exciting facilities at Monks Cross, the future use and redevelopment of our current home remains very important to us.”
Simon Usher, managing director at Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “We are currently in the pre-application stage for our new development at Bootham Crescent football stadium.
“Balancing the need for new homes with the concerns of the existing community can be challenging and we appreciate the sensitive nature of this site. Therefore, our public consultation on 20th September not only follows planning policy, but is important to us.
“All thoughts and suggestions received, as part of the consultation, will be carefully considered prior to submitting our planning application to York City Council.”
