Pool site saga takes a dive into retailing

MOVES to demolish a former York swimming bath to make way for a Lidl supermarket are set for the planning go-ahead next Thursday.

The former pool and gym at Edmund Wilson Baths in Thanet Road have been empty since the facilities were moved to "Energise" on Cornlands Road.

Now, planners are recommending redevelopment drawing a line under a saga that began in 1957 when the City Council wanted to use part of Hob Moor for development.

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The Edmund Wilson Pool site and other land behind Newby Avenue and Windsor Garth were then appropriated – with government consent – to become part of Micklegate Stray.

In 1964, when the decision was made to build the Edmund Wilson Pool, the site was re-appropriated from Micklegate Stray and replaced with an equivalent area at Hob Moor Terrace.

Objectors have suggested that , after the demolition, the site should revert to being part of Hob Moor. However, planning permission for the pool did not specify this.

Now, developers want consent to demolish the two existing buildings to make way for a 1,353 sq m food store – of which 1,063 sq m would be retail space – with the Lidl premises in one corner.

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The building – with a glazed entrance and canopy – would front onto the car park while the side would be towards Thanet Road and Hob Moor.

The south east of the site will include 66 parking spaces and 10 cycle bays.

Car park and delivery access will be along St James Place, but through a new entrance.

Objectors have expressed concerns about the impact on the area and existing traders.

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Development control officer Victoria Bell said the proposal is considered to be in line with local and national planning policies.

She said: "The principle of the development is considered to be acceptable, the design is simple and whilst more prominent than the existing buildings would not be unduly intrusive or harmful to the streetscene."

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