Backing for contentious plan to put up 85 flats near works

CONTROVERSIAL PLANS for apartment blocks next to the Chocolate Works, in York, could be approved next week, despite objections from residents and organisations.

Developers wants to build two apartment blocks on land next to the entrance to York Racecourse, south of the Terry’s development.

They include 85 apartments and seven houses. York Council planning officers have recommended approval.

In a report they say: “The scale and design of the proposal would not harm the living conditions of nearby residents and subject to any permission being appropriately conditioned the amenity of existing residents would be safeguarded.”

But the racecourse, the National Trust, York Civic Trust and health bosses at Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group ( CCG) have worries about the scheme.

And the council has received 289 letters objecting to the planning application.

Vale of York CCG says the development would put pressure on GP surgeries in the area, by adding 200 extra patients to their lists.

It says if the scheme goes ahead, the developer should put more than £ 169,000 towards created extra space at the surgeries.

The racecourse is worried people living in the homes will complain about events and noise taking place at the venue.

Members of the Terry’s of York Planning Action Group and the Chocolate Works Residents’ Association say the development would harm the views and setting of the listed former factory buildings. They also fear it will create too much traffic and lead to too many people living at the site.

The application will be decided at a York Council meeting next Thursday at 4.30pm.