PLANS to build a ‘floating house’ in York - which neighbours have been fighting for four years - have been given the green light. It is the third planning application developer Michael Hammill has submitted to City of York Council seeking permission to build a one-bedroom home in an access lane in Howard Street, off Fulford Road. It will see a two-storey property built in the gap across the lane at upper floor level - meaning cars will be able to drive underneath and the building will not be attached to the neighbouring homes on either side. An archway beneath would allow continued access to land at the rear, where a block of six flats is being built and two Victorian coach houses are being turned into new homes.
The Secretary of State is currently considering two proposals for local government reorganisation. One would see York council remain as it is, this is the option favoured by the local authority. The other would see it merged with Scarborough, Selby and Ryedale councils. Cllr Jonny Crawshaw said at a meeting that the independent public interest report has handed all the ammunition that anybody who wants to dissolve us needs. It s all there laid out in that report . Independent Cllr Mark Warters said the report has led to “huge reputational damage for the council during a time of local government reorganisation that may well be the final straw for York as a standalone local authority”.
Cllr Ashley Mason and West Offices, City of York Council headquarters COUNCIL staff may continue working from home after the pandemic - and the local authority will look at whether some meetings can still be held remotely. City of York Council has already earmarked an extra £350,000 income from renting out space in its headquarters at West Offices. It means other organisations might rent out offices previously used by council staff. Council meetings, including public meetings such as planning decisions, currently take place by webcast. But this is only allowed under temporary Government guidance, which expires at the start of May.