300 write to Minister about stadium and stores scheme

Yesterday was the deadline for representations to Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles, who will decide whether the project goes ahead or is called in for further scrutiny.

City of York Council last month approved plans for the 6,000-seat venue to house York City FC and York City Knights, and new John Lewis and Marks & Spencer stores at Monks Cross, but Mr Pickles must decide whether that decision stands.

By yesterday, he had received 330 representations. A clearer picture of when he will state his position should emerge next week.

Developers Oakgate (Monks Cross) Ltd have said the stores will create 1,000 new jobs and pump millions of pounds into York’s economy, and York City say the stadium is crucial for their future.

Opponents – including York Civic Trust, which has called for a public inquiry – say the retail scheme goes against planning policy, will force city-centre businesses to close and will damage York’s transport network.

The council’s Conservative opposition has written to the Government saying the project should be called in, as have the Greens.

Labour has written to Mr Pickles supporting the scheme. Council leader James Alexander said: “I believe in local decision-making and local people and their representatives taking decisions which influence their own destinies.”

The Liberal Democrats on the council have also lobbied Mr Pickles not to hold a “long and expensive” public inquiry. Group leader Coun Carol Runciman said: “We agree with the proposals in principle and believe they will significantly contribute to the economic development of York.”

In her letter to Mr Pickles, Kersten England, the council’s chief executive, said the authority should be “directly accountable” for the planning decision and there was a “compelling case” for it to stand. She said: “This is a key decision and we respectfully ask that it is made by York.”