York Central next stage recommended for approval

The next stage of the York Central development has been recommended for approval by councillors at a planning meeting next week.

Work on the scheme, which aims to turn a brownfield site in the city into a new neighbourhood with 2,500 homes, commercial and shopping spaces, began in September 2022.

The latest planning application includes detailed proposals for 1,000 of those homes, a hotel, offices, shops, a park and leisure space.

York Council planning officers said the project would "deliver a highly sustainable, well-connected and distinctive mixed-use neighbourhood".

The planning application, submitted by York Central Ltd, Network Rail and Homes England, features a 213-bed hotel.

It also includes a seven-storey building with shops on the ground floor and an office block in the upper levels.

The sixth floor would feature terraces with views looking towards York Minster and the city's walls while the first and second floors would have space for small start-up firms, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Several plots of land would be set aside for residential development.

One would feature 144 homes provided in 19 townhouses and 125 apartments, along with four commercial units.

Another would be set aside for 508 build-to-rent homes in blocks, with a ground floor shop and leisure units.

Two further plots would feature a total of 362 homes available on the open market or for social rent, along with a convenience store on a 430-sq-m site.

Council planning officers said the plans contributed positively to the overall York Central development.

In a report they said: "The proposals deliver a highly sustainable, well-connected and distinctive mixed-use neighbourhood that responds appropriately to its context, provides high-quality public realm and landscaping and supports a significant modal shift away from the private motor vehicle.

"The scheme successfully balances the delivery of housing, employment, transport infrastructure, public open space and associated community benefits, whilst preserving key views, respecting heritage assets and creating an attractive and inclusive environment."

Councillors are expected to make a decision on the application at a meeting on 10 September.

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