Heslington East gets go ahead
The University of York has been given the go ahead for the controversial Heslington East campus expansion by government minister Ruth Kelly.
Plans for the development, which will cost £500 million, have now been approved after previously receiving permission from the Council despite a sustained campaign from residents and students concerned at the effects on the area and the environment.
Brian Cantor, Vice Chancellor of the University of York, has welcomed the decision as one that will benefit both the University and the community. In a statement he said: “York is one of the best universities in Britain and it needs to grow in order to maintain this position. We welcome today’s decision, particularly as it will enable the University to play an important role in the future prosperity of York and the UK as a whole.
“We also appreciate the opportunity to increase our capacity for world-leading research, and welcome a greater diversity of students to York. Heslington East is a focus for optimism for the city’s future and for the region. The University’s growth will bring substantial economic, environmental, recreational and cultural benefits for Yorkshire and beyond.”
Steve Galloway, leader of the York Council said: “This is an historic announcement for the city. Knowledge, technology, finance and professional services will be the foundations of the City’s future economy prosperity and the University expansion is an essential cornerstone of that strategy.”
Opponents to the scheme have reacted to the news with dismay.
Dr Richard Firn from the Biology Department said: “The process has been an expensive way of failing to to find the optimum solution for the community. The scheme is unimaginative and environmentally unsound.”
Former Green Party councillor Mark Hill said: “South east York is set for maximum sprawl. Heslington will be surrounded on both sides by major developments.
“Life will be hell in the village for the next few years of intense construction, and afterwards, half of the city will be suffering from massively increased traffic pressure.”
The expansion will see the University increase its student population by over 5,000.
For a full report see the next edition of Nouse, out on Wednesday Week 6.
