Student housing plan set to bite dust

A planning application has been submitted to create seven blocks in Hull Road to house 332 students.

However, planning officers at York Council have recommended that the proposals are refused as the scheme has been deemed to be too big for the site.

Concerns have been raised over the impact of the development, which would feature buildings up to five storeys high, on nearby homes and the surrounding area.

The location also falls within an area of archaeological importance, and an initial evaluation has concluded that remains on the site are significant. Studies have shown that the remains of a well-preserved tannery dating from the 19th century lie buried underneath the dairy buildings.

The planning application has been submitted by Uniliving Ltd, a company which is responsible for student accommodation for universities and colleges across the country.

York Council's planning committee will consider the proposals at a meeting next Thursday.