Plans by property and development company, S Harrison, for a student apartment scheme in York have been approved.
York-based S Harrison worked closely with planning officers and councillors to update its initial plans for the three to five storey development on the site of the former Alton Cars on James Street in York, before re-submitting it for consideration.
Gavin Douglas, from S Harrison, said: “It’s a positive outcome that will help address the huge demand for student accommodation in the city, of which there is a chronic shortage. We look forward to delivering the scheme soon.”
S Harrison scaled the scheme down and it now includes 231 study bedrooms in clusters of up to eight, which have shared living and dining areas. There will also be 72 individual studio rooms. The development will also include communal areas on the ground floor, as well as soft landscaped areas, including a public pocket park on the site’s southeast corner.
Gavin added: “Our design will also deliver much-needed public open space in this area of the city, with more than 200 sq mt of green space. The pocket park will be a great addition to this part of York and will be a usable outside space for all. The South facing park will benefit from natural sunlight and will be an attractive visual addition to the streetscape on Lawrence Street – a primary route into the city.”
In addition to the pocket park, S Harrison will be delivering improved cycle infrastructure on James Street. The developer will create a 3.5m wide shared pedestrian and cycle lane along the site’s eastern boundary. The work will see the existing footpath widened and the kerb radius modified at the junction of James Street with Brinkworth Terrace and Elvington Terrace, where new segregated raised priority crossings will be installed.
Gavin added: “Our work will improve safety for all cyclists and pedestrians in the area, whilst also slowing traffic at the approach to the junctions from both sides – something that highways officers have welcomed.”
Gavin concluded: “Schemes like this not only regenerate and deliver a viable new future for a redundant site, but they bring added value to the local community by investing in the local infrastructure. Students provide a massive boost to the economy of this city, supporting jobs and creating a vibrant community.
“Specifically designed for the booming student sector in York, these new, modern, energy efficient spaces are within close proximity of the universities and an ideal home for students wanting to live in this popular part of the city.”
