Councillor to crowd fund challenge to permission for visitor centre near landmark

An independent councillor is seeking to crowd fund a judicial review challenge to City of York Council’s grant of planning permission for a visitor centre next to Clifford’s Tower.

The local authority’s planning committee gave its approval on 27 October 2016 to plans put forward by English Heritage.

The visitor centre proposals include a concrete and glass building incorporating a souvenir shop, coffee bar and viewing area, which would be embedded in the base of the mound itself.

Cllr Johnny Hayes said Clifford's Tower was recognised around the world as one of Yorkshire's truly iconic landmarks.

“It is an enormously important monument, steeped in 750 years of history,” he added. “Thousands of York residents, and people from around Britain and the world object to these plans and believe that this is a huge mistake.”

Cllr Hayes claims that the planning process which led to the permission being granted was "seriously flawed".

So far 81 people have pledged a total of £4,400 via the Crowd Justice website towards his target of £7,800.

The councillor, who together with his wife has contributed £7,354 towards the cost of the legal action already, has instructed law firm Shulmans on the challenge.