Plans are in to knock down a building described by City of York Council as a ‘heritage asset’ – in order to build a 72-room care home.
Blue Beck House on Shipton Road would be demolished to make way for the home, according to the proposals by Torsion Care and owners NHS Property Services.
“Blue Beck House is identified as a late 19th century hospital building,” planning documents state.
“Whilst it is not identified on the City of York Historic Environment Record or the Local Heritage List, during pre-application discussions the council indicated they considered the building to be a non-designated heritage asset.”
The building was constructed between 1891 and 1897 as a laundry with associated accommodation for inmates of Clifton Hospital, which was originally called North and East Ridings Pauper Lunatic Asylum.
A heritage assessment submitted with the planning application.
This “sets out that whilst Blue Beck House does retain some architectural interest and low level historic interest in relation to its original purpose of accommodating inmates in their working environment, this interest has been radically altered by the demolition of the main hospital complex”.
The new three-storey building will have two wings, day rooms, a café and garden room.
Developers say: “The proposed design is carefully considered to ensure minimal impact on surrounding properties and amenities, while creating an inviting, bright and modern home which its residents will enjoy.
“The proposed building and landscaping will benefit the wider area.”
You can read the full planning application here.
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