Updated: ONE of the biggest and most economically vital developments York has ever seen is finally about to become a reality.

The city’s political leaders have given the green light for a massive £165 million scheme to transform the former Terry’s factory in Bishopthorpe Road into homes for hundreds of people, two hotels, shops, bars and restaurants, creating more than 2,700 jobs.

Developers Grantside are today celebrating winning planning permission, which was secured at a four-and-a-half hour City of York Council planning meeting last night – 18 months after the company’s original scheme was controversially rejected.

Now they are focusing their sights on starting work on the mammoth scheme after one of the most drawn-out planning sagas in York’s history finally came to an end.

In a reversal of fortunes from the original plans, which were unanimously rejected, 14 members of the planning committee voted in favour of the redevelopment.

One member – Labour’s Ken King – opposed Grantside’s plans, while Green councillor Andy D’Agorne abstained.

Committee member Coun Ann Reid said: “I think people will always find fault with something like this, but we need to make a decision now.

“Grantside have listened to our original concerns and have adapted their plans.

There may be concerns about extra traffic, but let us not forget that when the Terry’s site was in use before, there was also extra traffic then.

“We have got to show that York is open for business.”

The lone voice of opposition, Coun King, said: “Like most people, I want to see this development go ahead, but we must get it right.

“I cannot accept this development knowing the traffic problems it would cause."

Jane Hunt, of Yorkshire Forward, welcomed the application.

She said: “Terry’s is in close proximity to York city centre and the railway station and this decision will bring back to life a significant building. Everyone at Yorkshire Forward welcomes the proposals, especially at a time when the region needs to recover from the recession."

Local Labour councillors, who were not on the committee, said they backed redevelopment of the site but were worried about traffic levels.

Coun Dave Merrett said the plans were “incredibly intensive”.

He said: “This is meant to be an attractive, viable site for employers – not one that detracts from a beautiful, historic building.”

Coun Sandy Fraser added: “We still have reservations, chiefly on the traffic we will see from the site."

Speaking at the meeting, Steve Davis, managing director of Grantside, the developer behind the plans, urged the committee to back them.

“This is not merely a revisal but a brand new document from a blank canvas.

“Let’s show that this city is open for business and reinforce the message that this is a great place to live, work and play."

Conservative leader Ian Gillies said: “No application will ever meet all our expectations, but I am impressed by various amendments and hard work by Grantside over the past 18 months to bring forward this revised and improved application."

Liberal Democrat Richard Moore said the new plan was a “far better proposal” than the previous one.


‘I am absolutely delighted’ says Grantside boss Steve Davis

THE man behind the Terry’s redevelopment has spoken of his jubilation and gratitude after his £165 million plans won the backing of York’s councillors.

Steve Davis, managing partner of Grantside, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the result.

“There was a lot of support for the scheme following the extensive public consultation, but we never take anything for granted.

“There has been a lot of hard work to reach this point, and it could not have happened without the input of the public, co-operation of council officers and our own consultant team.

“I would like to thank everyone concerned and look forward to moving the project forward to deliver the vision that has been approved."

Grantside and the council will now finalise section 106 agreement ahead of work starting, to determine what community improvements the firm must fund as part of the planning permission. It is likely that the site will be redeveloped in phases over several years depending upon the prevailing market conditions.

Peter Callaghan, also of Grantside, said previous concerns that had been raised when plans were controversially turned down 18 months ago about traffic congestion, sustainability and conserving parts of the listed buildings had been carefully considered in the revised blueprint.

Planning officers had said the development was “one of the largest and most important regeneration opportunities in the city of York in recent years”. They said the 10.86-hectare site was “an unique opportunity to provide a prestige, employment-led, mixed-use development with the potential to be of considerable significance to the future success of York’s economy”.


City chiefs hail the new plans

BUSINESS bosses and politicians have hailed the Terry’s plans as a sign of York’s economic strength.

Susie Cawood, the York head of Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “York is a fantastic place to do business, and we are delighted that the council planners have shown their commitment to development in the city by granting planning approval for the Terry’s site.

“This development is very important for the future economic success of the city and the decision underlines that York is open for business.”

Andrew Waller, leader of City of York Council, said: “There can be no doubt that York is open for business.

“All eyes have been on this city for this planning decision and it has been a success.

“It is a boost for the city’s economic development in converting Terry’s chocolate factory into a new boost for the 21st century.

“I would like to recognise the determination and hard work from all sides to deliver this fantastic result."

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of York Racecourse, said: “Grantside have done a fantastic job in ensuring that, following approval, Terry’s will work closely with the racecourse."