Evening Press Article
Charity Defends Homes Scheme
Evening Press Article – 6th January 2005 by Mike Laycock
THE charity behind a controversial flats scheme in York has launched a passionate defence of the project, following “hurtful” comments by local people. The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) claims it will ensure that the development at Connaught Court, in Fulford Road, is “sustainable, sensitive, and appropriate to the surroundings”.
Fundraising director Roger Friend said that every penny raised through the development would provide a major boost for care provision for older people in York. A storm of protest has blown up since the charity submitted outline plans to City of York Council for residential development in the grounds of Connaught Court, a home for more than 100 older and mentally frail residents. The development could include several blocks of flats and houses, and also a new 38-bed care home.
The RMBI has come under fire from some local residents over the scheme. The Fulford Friends pressure group has launched a petition against the proposal, claiming it would “rip the heart out of Fulford”, causing traffic gridlock on the A19 and the loss of beautiful parkland.
Selby MP John Grogan has warned developers to prepare for a “battle royal”, while ward councillor Keith Aspden has pledged to speak out against the application.
But Mr Friend said: “We will be neighbours to whatever is built on the site, so we are as keen as anyone else to ensure that any development is sustainable, sensitive, and appropriate to the surroundings.
“Some local people have made hurtful comments about the charity and its plans. Every penny that is received from the sale of part of the site will go towards the welfare of older people. Some of it will go to support those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It will provide a major boost for care provision in the city.”
Meanwhile, archaeologists who explored the site have reported “minimal significant finds”. The York-based On Site Archaeology team, called in by the RMBI to check the grounds, excavated ten areas to check whether any significant artefacts might be lost through the development. Nick Pearson, who led the archaeological team, said some evidence of Roman occupation was found, but little of significance. It had been thought that the Battle of Fulford, fought in 1066, might have taken place near the site, but no evidence of this was found. The report will now be sent to the city’s chief archaeologist for review.
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