Street clutter choking city’s heritage set to be removed

The Government announcement follows a landmark report into the future preservation of York, the first of its kind in more than 50 years since Lord Esher published the influential York, a Study in Conservation, which warns immediate action is needed to reduce signage in the city, saying, “The initial experience of the visitor is one dominated by traffic, street clutter and highways engineering”.

This week, the Department of Transport (DfT) published a new policy framework proposing a significant change to the signage regulations and reducing the barriers local authorities face.

Coun Dave Merrett, York Council cabinet member for city strategy, said: “The historic feel of the city and its buildings is more than anything what attracts visitors to York.

“If we have too many modern signs building up, it takes away from that.

“Over the years an awful lot of signage has accumulated, spoiling the view of the streets and becoming a real nuisance.

“Some of the work that we have been doing over the past six months to take down these signs and barriers have made the streets feel much more open – the new policy will really enable York to go further on this.”

The DfT says it will implement its recommendations in stages, with amendments to the existing responsibilities coming into force from as early as next month.

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.

The latest report, called the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area Appraisal and published in July, recommends 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.