The York Designer Outlet has withdrawn plans for a multi-million expansion, due to concerns over the extra traffic congestion it might cause.

The scheme would have delivered 25 extra shops and restaurants, 670 parking spaces and would have created 500 more jobs in retail and construction.

When plans were first submitted in 2019, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets also sought to relocate the park and ride, aiming to reduce any extra congestion, and allay traffic concerns.

At the time, groups such as York BID and York Retail Forum also warned the extra shops and cafes could harm the city centre.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Last week, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets withdrew its application for the extension, but submitted plans to create extra parking spaces that would be used for several months over the peak Christmas period.

The retailer said the outlet, now 25 years old, continues to be one of the region’s most successful shopping destinations and “continues to have aspirations to invest in the local area".

A statement from the company explained: “This was done in favour of a revised application which now focusses solely on resolving the traffic congestion issues that the shopping centre and park and ride facility face at key times of the year.”

Instead, McArthurGlen now seeks to create a temporary overflow car park for November and December for 340 vehicles. This would add to the 2,700 spaces it has now.

If approved, the temporary parking area would be located to the south of the outlet and would have temporary lighting.  

Last year, it sought to create an overflow car park for 210 cars, plans for which were later withdrawn due to concerns it too would add to traffic congestion and was also in the Green Belt.

How the expansion would have lookedHow the expansion would have looked (Image: Supplied) McArthurGlen says this extra parking would help ease traffic congestion in the area and also help the park and ride facility run more efficiently during its busiest period.

Paul Tyler, centre manager for York Designer Outlet, told the Press: “The application for extra retail space and the new park and ride has been withdrawn so that we can focus on more immediate solutions to benefit everyone in the next few years, which we feel is the priority.

“Both the centre and the park and ride are extremely popular and very busy during November and December, and we hope that this temporary car park solution will not only help our customers, but also the park and ride users and indeed the wider community. 

“This proposed new measure will ensure the outlet site does not get clogged up with people who cannot park and use unauthorised places instead. We feel this is a common-sense solution to allow the retail and park and ride service to continue to operate successfully."

Paul added: “We are still committed to a more permanent solution and are in discussions with the council about helping to facilitate a new dedicated park and ride that will help all parties in the longer term.”

Andrew Lowson, executive director of York BID, has called for consistency from City of York Council when it eventually makes a decision.

He told the Press: “My view is that the offers at Designer Outlet and city centre can complement one another, but I know that many city centre businesses want to see consistency when it comes to the local authority’s car parking strategy. 

“We understand City of York Council plan to remove Castle Car park, partly to do with reducing car usage/ green ambitions.  So when planning committees look at plans for additional parking elsewhere in the city, BID members will expect the same strategy to apply.”

York Outer MP Luke Charters told The Press he would like to meet the outlet operators.

He added: “The outlet is a great contributor to the local economy. Anything we can do to support this critical York employer.”

City of York Council declined to comment.

The York High Street Forum has also been approached for comment.