26 September 2014
More help needed to restore historic York buildings (The Press)
A DEVELOPER has called for council officials to help bring historic but dilapidated properties in York city centre back into use.
John Reeves, of the Helmsley Group, said that unless the authorities could be more flexible over the conversion of listed properties, it was difficult to see how apartments could be created that were economically viable without an asking price of at least £300,000.
His comments came as he revealed how a crumbling Grade 2-listed property on the corner of Kings Square had been brought back to life. He said former offices above Thomas the Baker, pictured, once used by the Co-op, had fallen into a pretty sorry state of repair, with water pouring through the roofs, windows decayed and floors ruined.
“Clients of the Helmsley Group have turned this once unloved space into four modern apartments, which have managed to combine the older features with the modernity occupiers expect,” he said.
“Each one is different with some great views of the Minster and the city and enjoy the hustle and bustle of being in the heart of the historic city. This has been done without any public subsidy, which is often needed as per the former White Swan.”
But he said such conversions raised many issues, including the dropping off of materials at an acceptable time, the digging up of roads to sort out services, and the conflicting requirements of conservationists and building regulations.
A council spokeswoman said: “Like local authorities the length and breadth of the country, we must adhere to building regulations under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 and the current National Planning Policy Framework. However, building inspectors in York are very experienced in working with conservation colleagues and in the majority of cases appropriate solutions can be found which preserve the special character of a building, in accordance with National Planning Guidelines, yet achieve appropriate structural safety standards for its use.
“In some cases requirements from other considerations, such as those relating to noise or air quality under the Environmental Protection Act.”
Article courtesy of The York Press, visit www.yorkpress.co.uk for more local news.
