Vicky ParryThe decision was made today on the new Community Stadium for the City Of York element of the proposed £90 million Monks Cross II development that has divided opinion across the city. Councillors voted “in favour” of the new stadium.
It comes days after York City Football Club’s triumph at Wembley in the FA Trophy final and in the week of their do-or-die play-off final against Luton Town.
The meeting of the Council Planning Committee took place today at the Park Inn Hotel and saw those in support and opposition to the plans speaking up publicly before the decision was made.
The Community Stadium is a £17 million sweetener for the shopping development put on the table by Oakgate (Monks Cross) Limited, a subsidiary of Wetherby-based property developers Oakgate Group Plc.
Manager of York City Football Club Gary Mills logged his support in a letter to the council’s Planning Department, writing: “This development is vital to support York’s professional and amateur sports clubs, providing a new, modern 6,000 stadium and community facilities.”
“The continued professional status of York City Football Club depends on the approval of this application and I believe a new community stadium would help us reach our full potential and create a secure future for the Club.”
Mills stressed the beliefs that “football is a very positive force” and a “successful football club clearly brings increased pride and morale to the local community.”
The plans for the Monks Cross expansion have however been refused and a further meeting is being held to discuss the prospect next week.
More details will follow in the coming days.
