Glass and aluminium office block proposal sparks anger

2:06pm Wednesday 30th January 2008

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RESIDENTS have reacted angrily over moves to build a new office block in a York village.

Developers have submitted plans for the new block in Millfield Business Centre, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton.

The applicant, London Ebor Developments, says the new building will be modern and elegant, but Nether Poppleton Parish Council has criticised the plans.

In a statement submitted by parish clerk James Mackman, the council said: "The proposed design has no similarly with any of the surrounding traditionally-built warehouses and offices. The proposed flat roof is not in keeping with the existing streetscape.

"The position of the proposed building is too close to the edge of Millfield Lane. Other sites have parking and service bays in front of the buildings, so keeping an open aspect to the road and trading estate."

The council said the Poppleton Village Design Statement had not been taken into account, and also voiced concerns over its proximity to the Manor School development.

The statement said: "It would be in the interests of all parties, where developments of this nature were proposed, that consultation with the local parish council and residents took place before a formal planning application was tabled."

London Ebor Developments said the scheme would provide 550 sq metres of office space, and would have no more impact on the environment at Nether Poppleton than the existing buildings.

A spokesman said: "The buildings that presently form the Millfield Lane industrial estate are an ad hoc collection of buildings that have no architectural merit whatsoever, therefore these is no architectural form, character or detail that are worthy of replicating.

"We propose a scheme that represents a modern, efficient building of single firm with an elegant appearance in aluminium and glass."