The design and access statement, submitted with the application, says: “The conversion scheme for the school seeks to retain and restore the frontage, the only alterations proposed being to take down two chimney stack (which appear to be later re-builds of any original stacks). Existing door openings will be re-opened, and the front hedge maintained achieving a polite frontage to New Street.

“The development proposals seek to safeguard the future of the school building through a new use achieved following sensitive conversion. This will be facilitated in part through the new build provision which themselves will provide a good mix of housing from starter homes (mews) to family homes (townhouses). The design detail of the three buildings should complement each other creating a development with a strong identity and reflecting the heritage of the school building.”
The former school will be fully re-roofed as part of the works, inserting first floor accommodation throughout the building. In addition, the public route connecting New Street with Market Place will remain accessible following redevelopment of the site.

The design and access statement says that “pre-application consultation has suggested that one parking space per home will be acceptable given the site’s town centre location.”

Pocklington Town Council has objected to the plans at a recent planning meeting. As the youth centre building is being considered for listed building status, the planning committee believed this should be resolved prior to a decision being made on the planning application.

The committee felt the plans for additional houses on what was the playground are excessive.

They also believed the height of the proposed houses backing onto Winterton Close should be reduced to minimise overshadowing the former youth centre building. In addition, the committee felt the proposed new houses lacked visitor car parking.