Key report urges action to calm traffic impact on city’s heritage

The new report, the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area Appraisal, has taken six months to complete and is the first detailed examination of York’s historic centre since 1968 when Lord Esher published the influential York, a Study in Conservation.

Its far-reaching conclusions include recommending an overhaul of the approach to the station from the city which it deems a “priority for action”, a possible extension of the pedestrianised zone and says a long-term vision is needed to reduce traffic on the inner ring road and in York’s city centre, currently one of the most under pressure of any walled town or city in Europe.

It also proposes changes to the existing conservation area boundary, new-look public spaces including Exhibition Square and the Parliament Street/Piccadilly junction and setting up a panel of experts to look at design and planning issues to assess the quality and impact of new buildings.

The report states: “The relentless impact of traffic on the approach to the station is a priority for action.

“The initial experience of the visitor to the city is one dominated by traffic, street clutter and highways engineering.

“As the principal approach to the historic core for visitors, this detracts very considerably from the character, appearance and the public experience of the conservation area and is a poor advert for the city.”

York Civic Trust and English Heritage have already given their approval to the draft appraisal, but while York Council says it welcomes the report, it wants to put it out for public consultation before pushing ahead.

The heritage renaissance officer at York Council, Bob Sydes, said: “Although the draft appraisal may sound technical and detailed, it’s actually written for residents, for visitors, for those who work and run businesses and for those who may come here in the future.

“This is about York being very proud of its history, its uniqueness and its attractiveness.

“But the appraisal also recognises the city cannot sit back in the belief that all these qualities will look after themselves.

“The positive actions proposed by the appraisal are not just words.

“There is a serious side to the document that recognises where the city could improve.

“This is truly about a city making history and a city that wants to continue investing and believing in the new as well as the old.”

The council Cabinet member for city strategy, Dave Merrett, said: “This is a landmark report, and well worth the read to everyone interested in York’s tremendous historic and environmental heritage.

“There are some significant proposals in terms of how we can protect and enhance it for the future, so let’s have a real debate on this excellent piece of work and have residents let us know their views.”

The original Lord Esher report was published in February 1969 after Richard Crossman – the then Minister of Housing and Local Government – expressed concern at the destruction of many historic towns and cities in the wake of rampant commercial development.

York was put forward by the York Civic Trust as one of four pilot areas where the study in conservation would take place.

The council was originally reluctant to participate in the project, but became involved after the York Civic Trust offered to share its proportion of the fee.

A York Council spokeswoman said: “The council is particularly keen to know how readable and understandable the appraisal is.

“Details of where and how to comment are on the council’s website at www.york.gov.uk. Paper copies can be viewed at York Explore and 9 St Leonard’s Place Reception.”

The consultation on the draft appraisal will end on August 10.