The next stage of plans to build 1,100 homes at a former British Sugar site in York is underway.
Planning documents submitted this month show an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report will be undertaken to support the application.
This will identify any potential social impacts and health risks of the development, as well as gauge public opinion.
According to developers Rapleys, the project is the “redevelopment of a redundant sugar beet refining and processing site comprising 98 acres to create a new sustainable community of 1,100 new homes, community uses and open space.
“The site forms part of the largest regeneration project in York.”
The huge development already has full planning permission but is now making the next steps in the construction of the homes.
As well as houses, the development is also required to “provide new social infrastructure, which meets the needs of future residents of ST1, and where viable, surrounding communities, including local retail, health, community space, educational facilities, and sports provision.”
British Sugar has worked with the City of York Council since the closure of the former refinery in 2007 to progress its sustainable redevelopment for residential-led mixed uses.
It announced the closure in 2006 which affected 102 permanent staff and a further 40 who work during the winter harvesting season, according to the Guardian.
The plans to finally replace the site may ease the issue of expensive housing in York, something that has been widely documented.
In June York Central MP Rachael Maskell said in Parliament: “York has a significant housing supply challenge.
“Along with a low-income economy, the cost of housing is exceptionally high.
“A single person can afford just 5.6 per cent of properties, but finding those properties is a real challenge.
“Last year, the cost of properties in York rose by 23.1 per cent—the highest rise anywhere in the country.
“That costs our economy and families.
“The challenges are not abating.”
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