Riverside public realm at Land At Savile Road Bridge St And Aire St Castleford, Castleford Ings

“Demolition of existing vacant buildings (use class E(A)) and creation of public realm with other ancillary infrastructure improvements to include rebuilding of flood defences, pedestrian footways and cycleways across Castleford Riverside. The scheme is referred to as ‘Castleford Riverside Park’.”

“The units proposed for demolition comprise 1 – 7 Bridge Street and 14 – 18 Aire Street (including warehouses); these are located to the eastern end of the application site.”

“The application site relates to land to the south of the River Aire within the town centre of Castleford. The site under consideration extends from Ford Square in the west, to Castleford Bridge (Lock Lane) in the east. This site encompasses a mix of existing uses and sits within an established mixed-use area. The site measures around 1.3 hectares and sits between the A6032 and the riverside.”

“Some demolition works have already been carried out to the western end of the site, and the demolition of the Crimea Tavern, also to the western end of the site, is understood to be imminent.”

“24/01614/FUL Demolition of vacant public house (Crimea Tavern) and associated buildings – Approved 29.10.2024”

“In addition, it is noted that the submission refers to the ‘Queens Mill Container Park’ however it is noted that planning permission has not yet been sought for this development, a previous application was withdrawn – detailed below:”

“The principle of the proposed development is considered acceptable in this location, furthermore it is not considered that the proposal would result in harm to access and highway safety, the protection of heritage assets or the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, furthermore, it is considered that the development has potential to have a positive impact with regard to the visual amenity and biodiversity of the area, subject to the conditions outlined within this report.”

“Conditional approval of planning permission is therefore recommended.”

“The application has been publicised by site notice and press advertisement as affecting the setting of a Listed Building and Affecting a Public Right of Way in accordance with the Council’s ‘Publicity for Planning Applications’ document adopted October 2009. The expiry date of the publicity period was 7 November 2024.”

“- Scheme could include bridleways rather than just cycle paths - Local bridleways do not link well - Inclusion of bridleways would help keep more vulnerable road users away from traffic - Scheme does not appear to include public convenience facilities - Unreasonable to expect people to use existing toilet facilities in Queens Mill and surrounding businesses - Infrastructure for such services must be available within the site…”

“Approved - Subject to: (1) Those conditions and reasons set out in Service Director, Planning, Transportation and Strategic Highway’s report and the additional information sheet circulated at the meeting.”

“(2) Authority to issue the final decision being delegated to the Service Director and the Chair of Planning and Highways Committee.”