Public have say on controversial car park's future (From The Northern Echo)

Public have say on controversial car park's future

By Philippa Weighell »

DOZENS of residents had their say on the future of their town's most talked-about car park yesterday at a special consultation event.

Yorke Square in Richmond, which was saved by campaigners from an illegal planning application when the council tried to sell it off for housing, is the subject of a month-long consultation period throughout June. An exhibition held at the Station yesterday showcased some of the ideas proposed for possible future uses for the site, which will be protected as a "community resource."

Melva Steckles, leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: "We've been delighted with the number and quality of the responses we've had so far - people have really engaged with the process.

"They are coming up with the ideas and we are listening."

Richmondshire District Council's attempts to build 14 flats on the site of the car park came unstuck in 2006, after community group Save Our Shire took the authority to court.

The council, which had planned to sell the land for housing in order to fund a controversial move to £5m headquarters at Colburn, was forced to pay more than £17,000 in legal costs after a High Court judge quashed the planning permission. Councillors later agreed to drop the plans.

Mark Whyman, of Save Our Shire, said: "We've had good responses so far - already we've had about 70 comment cards back.

"Ideas include lowering the walls around the car park, improving sign-posting, creating marked parking bays and re-opening the public toilets.

"Developing Yorke Square as a top-quality car park will draw visitors to the riverside and all its amenities, which is crucial to Richmond's future prosperity."

Coun Steckles added: "From the start, this has been about giving Richmondshire residents a platform to voice their opinions. I hope we can build on what we're doing here, and create even more opportunities for local involvement in the future."

Displays and information are also available at community offices and tourist information centres, where comment cards can be filled out and submitted.

Alternatively, contact the council on 01748 829100 or visit www.richmondshire.gov.uk/yorkesquarecarpark. The consultation period will run until June 25.