Posted on by CWRA Admin

January 2022

January 2022 Issue No 24
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

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In this Issue

  1. AGM
  2. Request for secretarial support to the committee
  3. Carol service
  4. Electricity sub-station update
  5. Tree replacement – Bayldon Square
  6. Landscaping – rear of Thistle House
  7. Planning Application 21/02679/TPO Various Works including the felling of 14 trees
  8. Planning Application 21/02748/FUL & 21/02749/LBC
  9. AGM

1 AGM

The AGM was held on 1st December 2021 in St Chad’s Church Hall, and there were 37 attendees in total. I will not summarise the notes of the meeting, since they were circulated recently. However, I would like to thank all those people who took the time to meet us and to contribute their ideas and questions. Your input and your interest is vital. Thank you.

2. Request for secretarial support

We currently urgently require someone who is willing to provide secretarial support to the committee and to the Chairman in particular. It is not an onerous role but would involve a minimum of sending out agendas for bi-monthly committee meetings, attending meetings, and taking and circulating the minutes. Please send expressions of interest to chair@cwra.co.uk

Also, we are looking for someone with a legal background who may be able to help us, pro bono, when eventually addressing issues related to the adoption of the highways.

3. Carol Service

Thanks to all who supported this year’s carol and live music community event in various ways. A BIG thank you to Cliff, Miranda, Bob and Emma our performers, what a festive and heart-warming event. The feedback from residents has been positively glowing… Encore!!

The lights, the food and the mulled wine went down very well too and all spaced out outside and in safety.

Carecent, our local non-profit charity for York’s homeless, was absolutely thrilled with the car load of quality warm clothing, toiletries and foodstuffs that were dropped off, as well as cash donations – £134.64 on the night, (an additional donation from a generous resident who couldn’t attend has since given £20 more).

4. Electricity sub-station

You may have noticed the work taking place at the electricity sub-station. Prior to Christmas the existing but ineffective sound proofing was removed. We have been informed that the work to replace and update the sound proofing is ongoing and expected to be completed at some time in February.

5. Tree Replacement – Bayldon Square

We are delighted that David Wilson Homes (DWH) has finally replaced all six of the trees on Bayldon Square. Here’s hoping that they actually thrive during the forthcoming growing season.

6. Landscaping – rear of Thistle House

We are aware that the landscaping at Thistle House leaves a great deal to be desired. We obviously hope that it remains a work in progress and that DWH will finish it to a high standard. Nonetheless we have asked Watson to be very careful about accepting the handover of the area until everyone is satisfied with the groundworks, planting, and repair of the area adjoining Bishopthorpe Road.

7. Planning Application 21/02679/TPO Various Works including the felling of 14 trees

Many people are already aware of this application which includes the felling of 14 trees and pruning of others. It is supported by a 2019 tree survey. There are two opposing schools of thought regarding this, each of which has its merits. It could be argued that the felling of any tree should be opposed where reasonably possible because of their many benefits including being a habitat for birds and animals and offsetting carbon emissions. On the other hand, during the last year, we have seen a tree collapse onto the pavement at the junction of Campleshon Road and Bishopthorpe Road. Therefore it could be argued that some of the trees (which are also known to be dead) could pose a hazard.

Equally, there are concerns that the cost of manging the area will fall to residents via their bills to Watson, once the area is officially handed over.

The Residents’ Association Committee does not have an official line on the issue, other than a concern that the tree survey is outdated and that an application of this sort should be supported by at least the latest possible information.

8. Planning Application 21/02748/FUL & 21/02749/LBC

We are also aware of a new revised planning application for the Liquor Store adjacent to The Clock Tower. This is now for –

  • A dental surgery on the ground floor
  • A delicatessen, café and artisan food shop on the lower ground floor
  • Open plan office and studio space on the first floor mezzanine.

9. The Co-op

By the time your receive this we anticipate that work to strip out the sales office, and furnish the Co-op will have commenced.