Greens question retail scheme

Denise Craghill, vice-chairman, hit out following the revelation that Marks & Spencer wants to open a 120,000sq ft store as part of a Monks Cross scheme including a retail development and a new stadium for York City FC and York City Knights.

The overall project on the Vangarde site, next to Huntington Stadium, would lead to about 750 new jobs and hundreds of construction roles being created. Oakgate (Monks Cross) Ltd expects to submit a planning application in the next few weeks.

But Ms Craghill said: “How many jobs and businesses will be lost in the city centre (and elsewhere) if this plan for an out-of-town retail development around two-thirds the size of the existing Monks Cross is approved?

“How can this proposal, which is completely opposite to everything the city’s Development Plans say, be squared with York Council leader James Alexander’s plans to ‘reinvigorate’ the city centre?

“And indeed with Labour’s stated commitment to the ‘City Beautiful’ proposals, which say that any major retail development in the near future must consolidate the ‘central core’, for the city’s longer-term prosperity?

“How does the administration square the promotion of a massive new out-of-town development with its stated commitment to tackle traffic levels and reduce air pollution?

“What are the prospects for the future of our local Development Plan if the first time it becomes inconvenient the council is prepared to resort to ‘dubious planning devices’ to override it?”

But Coun Alexander said: “It is essential that a development occurs.

“These are retail developments which will create new jobs in York though there does need to be a balance between the city and its outskirts.”