36 new council-built homes in Walmgate given go-ahead
Planning permission for 36 new homes for social rent and shared ownership was granted last night (Thursday 8 May). The energy-efficient flats and family homes will be built on the site of Willow House in Walmgate, York.
To help meet the need for affordable homes in the city, 60% will be for social rent and 40% will be available for eligible people to buy a share through the shared ownership scheme.
Besides enjoying a central location, most homes will enjoy private outdoor space. Local children can enjoy communal play space, and residents will have community growing space.
The homes will be accessible for disabled people who will also have dedicated parking space with on-street EV charging points charging domestic rates.
Each home – flats included – will have a front door onto the street which saves on service charges and gives extra privacy.
Local people have been involved in developing the plans with architects Mikhail Riches.
The site is of a former care home and sits just inside the city walls at Walmgate Bar. Supervised community archaeological exploration has already taken place and, when work begins, further archaeological work is expected to unearth more finds.
Willow House site plan
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing said: “Local residents have been incredibly generous with their time to help with the design of the housing and the area around it. Alongside major improvements planned for the Walmgate area, this 100% Council rent-funded and shared ownership development will make a really positive difference to residents and the city as a whole.
“This planning permission recognises the importance of high-quality housing that meets the needs of lower-income households. Many local people can find that they struggle to afford living in the areas where they grew up. More social rent and shared ownership homes mean more residents can afford to live in their home communities. By building highly energy-efficient homes, the residents will find them cheaper to run too.”
Sophie Cole, Architect at Mikhail Riches, said: “We are delighted that Willow House received unanimous support at the planning committee. This is a constrained site with complex boundary conditions, including the wonderful City Wall along its southern edge. The proposal sensitively responds to this unique context, retaining views to the Minster from the City Wall and opening up views and routes from Long Close Lane through to Walmgate Bar.
“This scheme is our fourth project for City of York Council’s ambitious Housing Delivery Programme to receive planning consent.”
To see details of the meeting of the planning committee meeting on Thursday 8 May at 4:30pm, please click here.
To see the full planning application visit www.york.gov.uk/SearchPlanningApplications and search for Willow House.