The River Ouse helps define Bishopthorpe. Settled in early history on the banks of a river by a stream, the village grew as the rich and powerful and the church made it theirs. Today it provides a welcome space to relax, fish, watch the rivercraft, walk and jog.
The accessible area is not the prettiest, as the overgrown far bank and the water treatment plant add little to the scene, and the moorings preclude any view of the water. The old church has been improved, and new railings keep out troublemakers: there is a grand plan to improve that part of the bank. Access to the old church building seems to be locked up though, despite assurances to the contrary. This should be open during reasonable hours for residents and visitors alike. A conservation plan for the churchyard could make a haven of native plants.
Further along, the boatyard/campsite complex is yet again subject to a planning application. The site is part of the Conservation Area which means strict guidelines should be in force to maintain and enhance the area. Certainly as of now it is not as pretty or usable as it might be. Some years ago it was identified in a village community workshop as one area for improvement.
The planning application (08/00928/FULM) is in place, with a decision due by 1st October. Full details of the application and comments are no longer on the York City planning web site, though the commenting facility is still open. Some local residents have lodged detailed objections, whilst the Parish Council has apparently supported the scheme - it placed a document about it on the web site here. The Council owns land in the area, including the old ferry landing stage. The plan comprises a marina and a number of holiday-let wooden cabins built on a rise created from excavated ground for the marina.
If the scheme is approved, who will be the beneficiaries, and who might be disadvantaged by permissive access across a commercial site? Who might suffer if the area is not developed - and how might enhancements that can be funded be made?
Whatever happens, we will all be affected. Make your views known using the Comments link below!
The accessible area is not the prettiest, as the overgrown far bank and the water treatment plant add little to the scene, and the moorings preclude any view of the water. The old church has been improved, and new railings keep out troublemakers: there is a grand plan to improve that part of the bank. Access to the old church building seems to be locked up though, despite assurances to the contrary. This should be open during reasonable hours for residents and visitors alike. A conservation plan for the churchyard could make a haven of native plants.
Further along, the boatyard/campsite complex is yet again subject to a planning application. The site is part of the Conservation Area which means strict guidelines should be in force to maintain and enhance the area. Certainly as of now it is not as pretty or usable as it might be. Some years ago it was identified in a village community workshop as one area for improvement.
The planning application (08/00928/FULM) is in place, with a decision due by 1st October. Full details of the application and comments are no longer on the York City planning web site, though the commenting facility is still open. Some local residents have lodged detailed objections, whilst the Parish Council has apparently supported the scheme - it placed a document about it on the web site here. The Council owns land in the area, including the old ferry landing stage. The plan comprises a marina and a number of holiday-let wooden cabins built on a rise created from excavated ground for the marina.
If the scheme is approved, who will be the beneficiaries, and who might be disadvantaged by permissive access across a commercial site? Who might suffer if the area is not developed - and how might enhancements that can be funded be made?
Whatever happens, we will all be affected. Make your views known using the Comments link below!
