Approved: Plan to build 83 zero carbon homes in York – but not everyone’s happy

Plan for City of York Council to build 83 new zero carbon homes at the former Burnholme College site have been approved.

But neighbours and councillors on the planning committee have some concerns about the scheme.

The development, next to Burnholme Sports Centre, is part of the council’s housing delivery programme and 32 of the homes will be affordable. Five of the homes will be sold as self-build plots.

Neighbour Charlie King told the planning committee he is worried about extra traffic on roads around the development and the risk of extra cars and construction vehicles to children walking to nearby schools.

He said: “The road network is for a 1950s housing estate, that is not suitable for the increase in traffic that this will bring.”

Another neighbour, Paul Waind, said the buildings are too tall and close to nearby homes under the plans. He also raised concerns about the impact of the construction works on residents and added: “Here is an opportunity to protect a green space.”

Affordable homes reduced

Councillors voiced worries about the construction traffic and road safety for schoolchildren.

They also had fears about public transport links for residents, as there are set to be 74 parking spaces at the site and a permit scheme.

They also questioned the number of affordable homes, which was reduced following changes to the design of the development.

And councillors asked if the open spaces could be maintained following the completion of the scheme as they fear residents would be charged a service fee.

Michael Jones from the council’s housing team said 41 per cent of the homes will be affordable, if the five self build plots are not included in the calculation.

He said the number of affordable homes proposed had to be reduced to make the project financially viable after design changes.

But if the council wins Homes England funding or the construction costs are lower than expected, more affordable homes will be delivered.

He said the scheme will get fewer construction deliveries than other projects because of its design.

The plans were approved by a majority vote. Conditions will be imposed to manage construction traffic.