Construction work could soon start again on the Hungate site in York after a six-year break.
A seven-storey block of flats to be built next to The Stonebow is being recommended for approval by City of York Council planners.
Block H, comprising 221 flats, would fill the long empty gap in the Hungate development after new apartment blocks were built there between 2009 and 2019.
And it would be the final part of the development after it was first put forward 20 years ago.
A report to the planning committee states: “As part of this build-to-rent scheme, communal residential amenity spaces would be provided within the courtyard, at rooftop level and internally at ground floor level along the Stonebow and on the southern corner of the block facing St Johns Square.”
The designs have been modified since first submitted by Hungate (York) Regeneration Limited, with an eighth storey removed and its height reduced.
The council is asking for 22 of the flats to have affordable rents, namely:
- 1- bed (15 units) discount 38% – rent £693 per month.
- 2- bed (7 units) discount 50% – rent £864 per month.
There were 24 objections to the scheme. Some said it was too tall, others criticised the design. Neighbours were concerned about a loss of light and privacy.
Others were concerned about the motivation for the project: “Building new homes is needed but Hungate Marketing Suite are promoting properties as investment properties for short term lets and private holiday homes. 50% of properties exist as long-term investments instead of homes.”
A plan for a basement car park has been removed from this plan. But 136 car parking spaces remain available elsewhere on the Hungate development site. The council says the new block having low car provision is consistent with its vision of changing transport patterns and reducing carbon emissions.
Officers are recommending that Block H receives approval subject to the developers making a Section 106 contribution of more than £500,000. This would go to local schools, and pay for new leisure facilities in Heworth and new play equipment.
Any harm caused by the building “is outweighed by the environmental, social and economic benefits associated with the provision of new housing, for which there is identified need, and the sustainable regeneration of previously developed land,” the report states.
It will be discussed at a planning committee meeting next Thursday (16 January). You can read the agenda and report here.