A MAJOR overhaul of York’s most controversial buildings - once described as “sheer visual misery” - is likely to go ahead.

The upper floors of Stonebow House will become luxury apartments while the ground floor shop and restaurant units will get a whole-scale overhaul, under the plans.

At the same time, the appearance of the five storey concrete building will change as glazing and cladding is added, and the pavements and walkways are improved.

Planners have given their support to the scheme, and are recommending that councillors on a planning committee give it the go ahead when they meet next week.

York Press:

Stonebow House as it is, and as it may look

Overall, the planners say the plans propose a significant improvement for the area.

In the official report which will be considered by the planning committee, they said: “The refurbishment is sympathetic and honest to the architecture of the host building in that the definitive concrete frame will be retained and refurbished.

“Overall the works will improve the character and appearance of the conservation area and the vitality of this part of the city centre.

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“However, concerns have been raised by heritage campaigners - some saying the refurbishment ignores Stonebow House’s importance as an example of 20th architecture, and others saying the work does not do enough to improve the setting of nearby historic churches.

York Press:

The 20th Century Society said they wanted to see a much more sympathetic and “conservation led” scheme, which would retain original features and recognise the building as a significant piece of Brutalist architecture.

Historic England, on the other hand, said the regeneration would be welcome, and the glazing and the removal of the first floor walkway and staircase help it sit more comfortably in the conservation area.

However, they told planners the proposals miss an opportunity to improve St Saviourgate, and the setting of two historic churches.

Both the Central Methodist Church and St Saviour’s Church are Grade II* listed, and improving the street around them with a shop opening on to St Saviourgate and commissioning art work on blank walls would benefit the church buildings.

Wetherby-based developers Oakgate are planning the Stonebow development, and the company’s managing director Richard France said: “We have worked closely with the council’s officers and other stakeholders throughout the process and are pleased that these consultations have resulted in the plans being recommended for approval

 “We are delighted to have the opportunity to revitalise this high profile eye-sore building in the City and look forward to delivering it shortly, if these plans are approved.”

The planning committee meets on Thursday, October 6 at 4.30pm.