Planners urge green light for homes plan

Proposals have been drawn up to transform two buildings on the site of the former Nuffield Hospital site, which falls within the Minster’s precinct.

The scheme has been earmarked for the purpose-built former residence of Minster Canons, Purey Cust Chambers, which was built between 1824 and 1825.

The attached former nursing home designed by the architect, Walter Brierley, and constructed between 1914 and 1916 would also be converted into new properties.

The development would see a total of three apartments and nine houses built, and has received the support of English Heritage which has not raised any objections to the proposals.

The buildings can be clearly seen from the city’s medieval walls, although they have remained largely redundant since the Nuffield Hospital relocated to its current site on Haxby Road in 2004.

While the premises had initially been used for administration, they have remained unoccupied in recent years.

The proposed scheme would also see car-parking re-arranged to cater for the individual homes and landscaping carried out.

Planning officers at York Council have recommended that the proposals should be give the go-ahead as it would “secure the long-term future” of the historic buildings.

The scheme would enhance the appearance of the buildings by demolishing later additions to reveal the original fabric, according to the planning officers.

Planning applications have been submitted by developers to convert the buildings as well as to secure listed building consent.

The applications are due to be considered by York Council’s west and city centre area planning sub-committee on Wednesday next week.

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