Moors railway scheme (From Gazette & Herald)

Moors railway scheme

CONTROVERSIAL plans by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to build a large industrial-type building to house vintage railway carriages are being strongly opposed by Pickering residents and members of the town council.

Coun Gaynor de Barr labelled the scheme "a monstrosity" at this week's town council meeting, adding: "It will blight those living nearby and cause blight for tourists. It is wholly inappropriate, especially in a conservation area."

Coun Peter Gorrill said that while Pickering "owed a debt of gratitude" to the railway because of its benefit to the town, the rail line was "a scruffy mess". The railway creaqted rubbish, he said. There had been no consultation with neighbours over the erection of the building and he believed it should be sited further out of the town.

Coun Natalie Warriner, the deputy town mayor, said: "The railway has spent a great deal of money restoring the station to its former glory, yet they are now wanting to put something up which is completely out of context with the area. The materials it would be built in would be totally inappropriate in a conservation area and it will be an intrusion to neighbouring properties."

Earlier, residents had spoken out against the plan. Mike Potter said the building would stretch the full length of his property and garden. "It will be an agricultural type building about 120ft long and 18ft high. I am not against the railway, but this scheme is very inconsiderate."

Mr Potter said the railway should work in tandem with the the town and its neighbours. "This building will be visually dreadful," he said. His wife, Cheryl, added: "There is already one railway building which blocks out views from Undercliffe."

Mrs Jose Gascoyne, of Undercliffe, said: "This is not an industrial site but the railway is in danger of creating one." There was a fear, she added, that the railway could get carte blanche on any scheme it put forward.

The town council agreed to recommend Ryedale District Council reject the plans.

The council recommended approval of plans by Pickeriung businessman Simon Boak to build an exhibition and conference centre at the Showfield site.

Coun de Barr said: "Mr Boak is to be commended for this plan. It will be a great asset to the area and benefit businesses locally."

The scheme will have space for 200 cars and 160 cycles, the council heard.

Coun Peter Goring said the venture would extend the tourist season but urged that a sympathetically designed building was needed

It was welcomed too by Coun Judy Dixon as "a really good idea" but she was concerned about access to the site.

Coun Hill said that while there were some concerns about the details of the scheme everyone was "generally very supportive".

Coun Warriner was named as the new town mayor, and Coun Judy Dixon the new deputy town mayor after a tied vote with Coun Tom Bateman. The Town Mayor, Coun Betsy Hill cast her vote in favour of Coun Dixon.

Updated: 10:01 Thursday, April 18, 2002