English Heritage (EH) has thrown its weight behind Land Securities’ £60m Coppergate Riverside scheme, claiming the shopping centre would enhance York’s nearby historic buildings.
The comments were made today by EH inspector Trevor Mitchell at the public inquiry into the 330,000 sq ft (30,657 sq m) development located next to York’s Clifford’s Tower.
Mitchell’s views oppose those of local consultation groups which argue that the scheme would damage the historic site. He said: “In their scale and design they show respect for and harmonise with the historic buildings around them and would enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
EH, the operator of Clifford’s Tower, has the right to contest the scheme as a statutory consultee.
Mitchell added that the original plans, which EH considered “too aggressive”, had been revised and were now thoroughly acceptable.
He said the revised proposal “conforms to the scale and character of the adjoining sites and strengthens the grain of the area,” and should be commended for removing the car park from the base of the tower, replacing it with “soft landscaping”.
EGi News 24/01/02
