Controversial plans for 69 new affordable homes on playing fields around the David Lloyd gym look set to get the go-ahead – despite objections from neighbours.
The scheme would see houses built on land off Windmill Lane formerly owned by York St John University.
Council planning bosses have been asked to approve the proposals for Yorkshire Housing to construct affordable family homes on the land.
But a report prepared for members of the council’s planning committee says residents have raised concerns about 100 per cent of the housing being affordable, as well as worries about parking in the area.
The scheme was granted outline planning permission in June 2017, despite neighbours presenting a petition against the loss of the fields with more than 1,300 signatures.
A balanced community
One resident, writing in objection to the scheme, said:
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Mixed communities (market and affordable housing) are the basis for a balanced community – enabling social mobility and equality.
Other recent housing developments across our city have been created in this way and for this reason – there should not be 100 per cent of any single tenure built to avoid either pockets of high or low income families – but a mixed community (market and affordable).
The report says access to the new development would be from the junction of Hull Road and Windmill Lane and that there are concerns about a lack of parking for visitors in the plans.
The road is also used by visitors to the David Lloyd gym and the report says double yellow lines will be painted along some routes to prevent inconsiderate parking.
Family homes
The houses will be two storeys high and each will have a front and rear garden as well as off street parking.
The report says: “The Housing Strategy and Development Team strongly support this application. It provides an excellent opportunity to deliver 69 much-needed affordable homes, all of which are family houses.”
But it adds:
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An analysis of police recorded incidents in the area of the proposed development highlights the presence of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area which could impact upon the security of the scheme.
The most significant crime issues are theft of cycles left insecure in rear gardens and damage to and theft from parked unattended vehicles.
As a result, extra lighting and some fencing will be installed and some footpaths removed.
The report says trees between the development and the Woodlands Respite Care Centre should be protected.