Use Bootham Park Hospital site for council houses – letter

RACHAEL Maskell is right to campaign for the Bootham Park Hospital (BPH) site to be bought and used for the ‘the public good.’ (The Press, April 23 – ‘Why this York building should be for all of us’).

However I disagree with her over allocating some of the land to ‘affordable housing’.

For many families even that is out of reach. Better to follow the example of the Attlee 1945-51 government and build council houses – a public good which will remain (unless we get another Thatcher) with the public.

Rachael says her ‘priority for the legacy of BPH has always been the mental health of York residents’.

There is nothing like having one’s own front door, somewhere to raise a family and go to school from, to provide the security on which mental health is founded.

Harold Mozley,

Blakeney Place,

York

Read more:

….RACHAEL Maskell once again raised the issue of Bootham Park Hospital in Prime Ministers Questions.

The Prime Minister replied that he was aware of the concerns of Yorks citizens and understood the site was under offer.

It was reported that the prospective buyers wish to start work before the current planning permission ends on May 17.

So what is the situation? Is it sold or is it not?

In 2023 plans were put before City of York Council by the then prospective purchasers, Early Retirement Living and were passed although the vote was not unanimous.

This company then decided not to proceed. Now a company Timeless Holdings Ltd and Stonehouse Projects Ltd have applied to have four conditions of the planning permission discharged so they can begin work before May 17.

So my question is, are these companies in a position to begin work on the site if the purchase is not completed?

Secondly what is City of York Council’s position on this confusing situation?

While some members may feel it is a pragmatic decision to allow another piece of York’s history to be destroyed, with the greatest of respect I would remind them of their responsibilities to conserve and defend York’s heritage and to represent its citizens.

This cannot be achieved by adopting a supine position. Sad to say my comments appear to apply to the great and good of York whose purpose is surely to be active in the protection of our heritage.

I write on behalf of a group of people who have campaigned to save BPH since its precipitate closure in 2015.

We are certainly not experts in planning law so clarification on the points raised would be most gratefully received.

Ann Weerakoon,

Fulford Park House,

York

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Thank Donald Trump for holiday mayhem

“LET’S bomb Iran quick and get out quicker” has not only raised the cost of living globally but has also raised the cost of global travel.

Jet fuel has already doubled in price. Holidays will be hit either by flights being cancelled or by an increase in ticket prices.

Long haul flights, to Australia for example, are already suffering by having to avoid Iranian airspace, making it necessary to refuel in Singapore.

Added to this is the very real possibility that some airlines may have to lay off cabin crew, pilots, caterers, baggage handlers, cleaners, air traffic controllers and probably airport shop staff.

Imagine the knock-on effect of all that. So, when you’re looking forward to two weeks in Benidorm and things start to go pear shaped, thank Donald Trump and his massive ego.

Nigel Cummings,

Charlton Street,

York