Plans have gone in to build 114 affordable homes in the south of York.
They would be built on fields directly south of Sim Balk Lane between the A64 and Tadcaster Road, opposite the York College buildings and sports field.
The plans are proposed by property company Gateway York and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, which would run the site.
Of the 114 homes, 68 will be for social rent and 46 for shared ownership
The homes will comprise
- 10 x one bed bungalows
- 2 x two bed bungalows
- 2 x three bed bungalows
- 27 x two bed houses
- 58 x three bed houses
- 15 x four bed houses.
Planning documents say the emerging but as yet unadopted Local Plan for York shows the site “as unallocated and being within the Green Belt”.
But they add: “This site, given its location and the intervening large-scale buildings of York College, plays no part in the setting and special character of the historic town of York and therefore the development of this site would not compromise the primary purpose of the Green Belt in this location.”
Parking provision has been allocated “at 200% for the majority of the site”. There will be EV charging points installed.
Cycle routes and cycle storage is also included.
“The proposed site is ideally situated for accessibility to the surrounding area and to the city of York, with both vehicular, pedestrian, and cycle routes available connecting the scheme to various amenities and employment centres,” planning documents state..
“It is also supported by excellent access to education, healthcare, retail, and public transport, as well as a wealth of leisure activities and outdoor spaces within the nearby vicinity of the proposed site.”
However, the site’s location between two main roads means noise is an issue. Acoustic barriers and double glazing are proposed to counter that.
The site
Before submitting the plans, the developers consulted residents and other stakeholders, at meetings, with a public drop-in exhibition and via a leaflet drop and website.
“Feedback received from the community has helped inform the submitted proposals for new affordable homes off Sim Balk Lane in York,” a statement says.
“Engagement is continuing and feedback will be accepted from the community throughout the planning process.”
Planning documents conclude: “Whether the site is or is not treated as being within the Green Belt, the development is sustainable and urgently necessary and planning permission should therefore be granted.”