The recent decision of York’s Planning Committee to defer a decision over the National Railway Museum’s expansion plans must prompt a more collaborative approach says the council’s main opposition.

Labour Group Leader, Cllr Claire Douglas, says the equalities implications of the NRM closing Leeman Road and restricting public access at certain times must be taken seriously. Unfortunately the NRM has so far been unwilling to adequately consider views other than its own, according to the area’s ward councillors.

Cllr Douglas said:

“We have a very unfortunate situation unfolding here in York with the city council banning disabled blue badge holders from the city centre and now the NRM looking to restrict access to thousands of residents in the Leeman Road area, some of whom are disabled too.  I’m really concerned about the signal being sent to York residents by our decision makers.  It all adds to the belief, a significant proportion of our residents have, that the city operates primarily for tourists, not for them as local council tax paying residents”.

The council’s main Planning Committee deferred the decision on the NRM’s expansion almost two weeks ago, and Labour is saying it’s time for the NRM to get back to the table to listen and work collaboratively with the council and the local community over the implications of its road closure.

Under existing plans, access through the museum’s proposed Hall for residents will be heavily conditioned, indirect, and closed a majority of the time; apart from when the museum is open (not including special events, maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances).  Cyclists will not be permitted to wheel their bikes through, and only certain types of mobility aids will be allowed.

The alternative to going through the museum to re-join Leeman Road is to use the riverside path, a route which is inaccessible on average ten times (for varying lengths of time) a year due to flooding.  Other routes either involve crossing the River Ouse or railway line and taking far longer to get into the city centre, or using private, unlit routes that are deemed unsafe.

“We want to meet with the National Railway Museum’s Director, Judith McNichol, to discuss the concerns of not just the Planning Committee, but thousands of local residents, and urge flexibility on the access issue”, added Cllr Douglas.

“We all want the museum to expand and improve to cement its status as a world class visitor destination here in York, but the impact of existing plans on local residents cannot be disregarded”.