Landscape Insight September 2018 | Page 9

MONTH IN REVIEW This is a huge step forward in the delivery of York Central and in the future of York as we seek permission for the masterplan. A positive decision will unlock this underused piece of land and demonstrate a commitment to seeing it brought forward for the good of the city and its residents.’’ Tamsin Hart-Jones, project lead from York Central Partnership PROPOSAL PUBLIC CONSULATION RISK ASSESSMENT SYSTEM PROPOSED FOR IMPORTATION OF ‘HIGH RISK’ PLANTS INTO EU Public consultation has been op ened on a draft European Commission document which sets out a provisional list of ‘high risk’ plants that could be temporarily prohibited from crossing into the EU. According to BALI the move stems from a wider recognition that certain plants, plant products and other objects commonly brought into the EU host pests, which have been identified as having a major impact on UK plant species. A risk assessment system is being proposed by the legislation, which would be undertaken by countries wishing to export to the EU. This assessment would then be submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), who will gauge the threat posed and make recommendations to the commission. A statement by BALI said: “Whilst BALI members have acknowledged the need for robust measures to protect countries from new pests and disease, it is also recognised the profession has grown to rely on stock which is often transferred between non-EU and member countries, including [developing] countries.” BARTON WILLMORE’S NATIONAL GRID SITE REGENERATION ONE STEP CLOSER Barton Willmore’s regeneration of 29 hectares of brownfield land that was home to gas works for nearly 100 years is one step closer to being realised following the submission of a planning application. National Grid’s LNG Storage site at Partington, which closed before the gas towers were demolished in 2012, could soon be housing hundreds of families after Barton Willmore submitted a planning application to build up to 600 homes. The application was coordinated on behalf of Heath Farm LLP and National Grid to Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. It involves building on land at Heath Farm Lane to meet the varied needs of homebuyers and residents in Partington and the wider borough. Heath Farm LLP is a newly established partnership between Galliford Try Partnerships and Trafford Housing Trust that will focus on delivering high quality two, three and four-bedroom homes in a new community which integrates within the existing Partington area. Following engagement with the local community and statutory authorities, the application was submitted as part of the redevelopment plans. PROPOSAL PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR YORK CENTRAL LANDSCAPE PROJECT The York Central Partnership has submitted a application for planning permission for York Central, one of the largest city centre brownfield sites in the UK. The masterplan will transform an underused part of the city centre, creating new residential, cultural and business neighbourhoods in the heart of York. Once complete it is expected to increase the size of York’s economy by over 20% and create around 6,500 jobs. The plans for landscape project have been developed by architecture and planning consultants Allies and Morrison and Arup with landscape architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman. York Central is a collaborative partnership between Homes England, Network Rail, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. Tamsin Hart-Jones, project lead from York Central Partnership, said: “This is a huge step forward in the delivery of York Central and in the future of York as we seek permission for the masterplan. A positive decision will unlock this underused piece of land and demonstrate a commitment to seeing it brought forward for the good of the city and its residents.” September 2018 | Landscape Insight 9