Exclusive: Retailers slam city council over inconsistent planning policies

TRADERS have launched a broadside against planners amid accusations York’s economy is slanting dangerously towards a “pub-and-grub” culture and undermining the fragile retail sector.

High streets across the UK are facing the biggest crisis in more than 15 years after latest figures have revealed an alarming downturn in trade.

Concerns have now been voiced that ad hoc planning policies are not protecting independent traders who form the bedrock of York’s own retail economy.

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Traders along one of the city’s most prized streets of independent shops have expressed grievances over York Council’s decision to allow more restaurants in the area.

More than a third of stores along Bishopthorpe Road are food outlets, including six takeaways or restaurants.

One of the road’s two curry houses, Lal Quila, has been given permission to extend into a vacant retail unit which used to house a florist, while the JD Cafe and Takeaway is being turned into a second fish and chip restaurant.

Andy Shrimpton and Piers Maffett own the Cycle Heaven bicycle store, which was launched in 1993 and attracts customers as far afield as Scotland.

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Mr Shrimpton said: “There is a problem with an over-reliance on food outlets along Bishopthorpe road, and there seems to be a real pub-and-grub culture emerging in the city.

“The vitality of our street is down to its diversity, although this is now under threat. The council needs to develop a clear policy for York’s neighbourhoods, and not focus its attentions solely on the city centre.”

Jackie Rogerson has run the Ebor Fisheries with her brother, Nicky Martin, for the last eight years opposite where the rival fish and chip shop is due to open.

She said: “Ebor Fisheries have provided quality service for the last 100 years. It seems a pity that the retail variety of the street is constantly being eroded.”

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The Yorkshire Post revealed last month that politicians had voiced concerns that one of York’s most historic quarters, Micklegate, could become a “shopping wasteland”.

Labour councillors expressed fears that Micklegate has become too reliant on the string of pubs and bars that line the street and attract hundreds of hen and stag parties who flock to the city every year.

Two businesses in the street closed within weeks of each other with the loss of the Yorkshire Food Company as well as the long-standing Blake Head Bookshop and Cafe, which had traded in Micklegate for more than two decades.

The York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which has 1,200 members across the county, has now urged the council to ensure planning decisions are not undermining the city’s economy.

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The head of the chamber, Susie Cawood, said: “It is important that York Council strikes the right balance in its planning policy.

“The city has a vibrant night-time economy, but it shouldn’t jeopardise York’s positioning as a leading tourism destination or its historic image.”

However, York Council stressed consultations are always carried out as part of the planning process, and officers will visit the site of a proposed development.

A spokeswoman also maintained applications are assessed under the council’s current planning policies.

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She added: “Every planning application that is submitted to the council is decided on its own merit and if there are any problems with the information, every effort is made to ensure this is put right.”

Figures from the British Retail Consortium on Tuesday revealed that many consumers are making only essential purchases amid the economic slump. The BRC said total sales in March were down 1.9 per cent on a year ago in the biggest decline since the start of the trade body’s monthly survey in 1995.

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