Horrible Histories author Terry Deary has slammed York Council for rejecting much-vaunted plans for a new Roman-themed tourism development in the city centre, reports The Yorkshire Post.
… hope they re-submit something much smaller…
… opposed by the Council for British Archaeology, Historic England and the Ancient Monuments Society…
The Yorkshire Post writes:
The council’s decision to reject plans for the huge Roman Quarter development have left the developers “disappointed”, some supporters angry and critics relieved.
The project featured a Roman visitor attraction and 10 storey building of 211 apartments and office space. It was turned down by a majority vote at a planning meeting on Wednesday due to concerns over a lack of affordable housing and quality job creation.
The developers – a partnership between York Archaeological Trust, North Star and Rougier Street Developments – could now appeal the decision to the planning inspector and submit a fresh application to York Council. A spokesperson for the developers said they are currently considering all options
Supporters have shared their disappointment over the decision.
….Terry Deary, creator of the Horrible Histories books, has supported the scheme and told BBC York: “It’s the most shameful and absurd decision any committee has ever made. They have put a knife into the city, they have deprived York of tourism, hospitality, employment, £20million a year to the economy.
“I’m absolutely shocked at the decision, it’s disgraceful, but that’s democracy.”
…. But some residents are relieved by the decision to reject the plans.
One tweeted: “Good decision by councillors. So-called ‘Roman Quarter’ just a smokescreen for massive overdevelopment.”
Another wrote: “It’s the size of the block that was the problem. I personally hope they re-submit something much smaller and still keep the Roman visitor attraction.”
On Facebook a reader said: “While the area would benefit from some redevelopment this proposal was never right. Completely eradicating one of the main nightlife areas is a terrible idea for York and as pointed out, the promised music venue was missing. Hopefully any future proposals include a better commitment to preserving culture and a better fit architecturally.”
The plans had also been opposed by the Council for British Archaeology, Historic England and the Ancient Monuments Society.
