Backing for ‘improved’ 303-bed student accommodation block
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to create homes for hundreds of students in York city centre have been approved by councillors at the second time of asking.
The 303-bed student accommodation block will be on the edge of the city centre and had been rejected in February.
But York-based property and development company S Harrison has now gained approval for the building on the site of the former Alton Cars site, on James Street. The company resubmitted the plans and made changes after a planning committee rejected initial plans in February.
The site will have fewer flats and a pocket park after claims the earlier scheme amounted to overdevelopment.
It will also have improved cycle infrastructure.
Gavin Douglas, from S Harrison, said: “We’re all aware of York’s ongoing demand and undersupply of student housing.
“We need to house York’s students in appropriate, sustainably located and well managed properties.”
Coun Andy D’Agorne said: “It’s a significant improvement on the previous scheme – more open space, more amenity for residents.”
Coun Stephen Fenton said the scheme was “an improvement” and that the pocket park was “welcome.”
Coun Nigel Ayre said the council had been able to use national delays in planning appeals to its advantage because the initial scheme would have been approved on appeal, but the developers compromised to avoid facing the lengthy process.
Coun Paul Doughty said: “I do think it was overdevelopment last time and I’m not entirely convinced it’s not overdevelopment, but I do recognise that there’s been improvement.” Coun Janet Looker said she would back the plans with “huge regret”.
She said: “I am concerned that it’s becoming a very student-dominated residential area. I love students, I have grandchildren who are students, I was a student – they’re marvellous people, but I do regret that another city centre site is now no longer available for homes for residents.”
Coun Looker repeated her call for the council to create a coherent plan for the city centre.
Mr Douglas added after the meeting: “Schemes like this not only regenerate and deliver a viable new future for a redundant site, but they bring added value to the local community by investing in the local infrastructure. Students provide a massive boost to the economy of this city, supporting jobs and creating a vibrant community.
“Specifically designed for the booming student sector in York, these new, modern, energy efficient spaces are within close proximity of the universities and an ideal home for students wanting to live in this popular part of the city.”
I regret that another city centre site is no longer available for residents. York city councillor Janet Looker.