Plans for 36 city centre homes set for approval

Plans to build 36 homes on the site of a former care home near York city centre have been recommended for approval.

The scheme would see a new neighbourhood created at the former Willow House site, in Long Lane Close near Walmgate.

A planning application, submitted by City of York Council as part of its housing programme, is expected to be discussed at a meeting on Thursday.

The site is described in a report as "underutilised brownfield land" close to the city's walls.

Two objections lodged against the plans raised concerns about parking problems and warned the development would be too close to existing homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The demolition of Willow House, which was built in the 1970s, was approved in March to make way for the homes.

Six of the homes would have three bedrooms, 19 two bedrooms and 11 one, with three fifths offered for social rent and two fifths sold through shared ownership schemes.

The development would also feature play spaces, an orchard, outdoor communal area, car-free areas and private back gardens, the application said.

It added that the project would create "a much-improved pedestrian environment, all whilst retaining the significance of the adjacent historic York Walls and important views toward the city centre from these".

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