A revised plan for a large student block close to a main York road has been submitted.
Buildings on the former Enterprise car hire site off Foss Islands Road would be demolished to make way for the accommodation, ranging from three to five storeys high.
A previous application for a similar scheme was withdrawn after criticism from City of York Council.
Parking arrangements were “completely unacceptable” for that scheme said planners, and it was considered an over-development of the site.
In response, the design “has been amended to accommodate a lay-by vehicular access for drop-off/pick-up from Foss Islands Road” say developers Gregory Projects.
“The site is largely car-free apart from three accessible parking spaces accommodated in the enlarged forecourt area and garage,” a design statement says.
“Accessible parking is provided specifically for the subset of people with additional needs who rely on a car for mobility and need additional space when parked to enter/exit the vehicle. These users will have a Blue Badge…
“Intensive vehicle movements associated with the existing use will be dramatically reduced helping to minimise the amount of vehicular traffic entering the city.”
The previous plan was also refused as it failed “to promote the health and well-being of future occupants due to the limited room size of the studios and lack of communal spaces throughout all levels of the development”.
In response, the new design introduces common rooms on all floor levels, and the reconfigures the bedrooms.
“A variety of room sizes are provided so residents can select an appropriate product to suit their needs and budget. 42% (57 out of 135) are larger than the smallest 20 sq.m room,” planning documents state.
The proposal is “consistent with, or exceeds, relevant published guidance for this type of accommodation”.
The accommodation would include 135 rooms, as opposed to 133 in the previous design.
You can read and comment on the plans here.