A York building dating back to 1864 will be demolished under plans submitted to the city council.
Now known as Cameron’s Yard Garage, it is located at the end of The Crescent.
Although close to the station – it backs onto the NCP York Station south car park – the garage was not built for railway use.
National Rail owns the building, 12 The Crescent, and the land alongside. In a statement to planners, it says: “Cameron’s Yard Garage is a modest and much altered light industrial building of late 19th century origins.
“It has negligible historic interest, in part because it was not originally built for the railways, and no architectural interest, due to its utilitarian and much altered form.”
Vehicle repair shop Cameron’s used the building between 1991 and 2021. It has been empty since the business left.
The building is in the York Historic Core Conservation Area.
In answer to the question, why is it necessary to demolish the building? Network Rail replies: “The building has been vacant for some time.
“The structure is in a state of disrepair and is no longer required. Removal of the asset is
required.”
An existing boundary wall and fence will remain. On the plot where the building stood, a “new boundary treatment [is] to be agreed”.
According to planning documents, the building has a “neutral” contribution to the area.
“This is because it has no architectural merit, no specific engineering interest or contribution, little impact on townscape and views and, although it has likely been owned by the railway since the 19th century, has no specific characteristics of a railway building,” they state.
You can read and comment on the planning application here.
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