Concern at plans for hotel near monument

CONSERVATIONISTS HAVE voiced concerns over plans for a major hotel development which could impinge on the views of one of the North of England’s most famous monuments.

Plans for the 143-bedroom hotel and a six-storey apartment block on Piccadilly in York will be discussed by city councillors on Thursday next week.

However, officials from Historic England have raised concerns over the impact the proposed hotel development would have on panoramas of the nearby Clifford’s Tower.

A report to the planning committee has revealed that Historic England has warned that a “wall of development” would be created alongside neighbouring buildings and block off views of the tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle.

Under the proposals, the Infinity Motorcycles shop and car park would be demolished and a Hampton By Hilton hotel would be built.

The report says regenerating Piccadilly is one of the council’s long-term goals and the new hotel would bring more tourists to York, as well as providing more homes in the city centre.

Plans for another hotel on Piccadilly – a £20m Marriott – were revealed in November, but the planning application has since been withdrawn.

The neighbouring eight-storey Ryedale House, which is seen by many as one of the greatest eyesores in the centre of York, is also being converted into a luxury apartment block.