Green light for redevelopment of working men’s club

Planning approval has been granted for a scheme that includes the redevelopment of a former working men’s club in York city centre and improvements to Dick Turpin’s grave.Oakgate Group submitted plans to City of York Council in 2021 to transform the former Tramways WMC site on Mill Street in York.The club closed in 2018 when it became commercially unviable and was sold by its members to Oakgate Group, part of the Caddick group of companies.The St George’s Terrace development will comprise 35 apartments, in a building ranging from three to five storeys. A mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units are proposed.The proposals also include linked improvements to the adjacent park where Dick Turpin’s grave is located.Members of the council’s planning committee B voted to grant approval at a meeting on 17 January, subject to conditions and the signing of a legal agreement.A consultation was undertaken and various changes were made to the designs, in collaboration with the Council and other stakeholders. These changes included reducing the height and massing of the proposed building and amending the design.Richard France, managing director of Oakgate Group, said: “It’s great news that Councillors have recognised the benefits that these proposals will bring and approved the plans.”Our proposals will replace an unattractive building to provide high quality new homes and will also bring major improvements to the vital green space, the Rest Gardens next to it – giving the grave of Dick Turpin the presence and profile it warrants, whilst delivering better amenities for the local residents.”The decision was in line with the recommendation of a planning officer’s report prepared for the meeting, as previously reported by Insider.