York charity awarded cash to build homes amid planning objections

An artist's impression of the homes in Hawthorn Terrace South

A charity has been awarded £125,000 towards the building of affordable homes in York despite council highways chiefs objecting to the plans.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has been granted money by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to build the homes in Hawthorn Terrace South.

City of York Council's highways development control team has objected over parking concerns.

The site is occupied by garages, which would have to be demolished.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), concerns submitted to council's planning portal show people are worried about what the impact of this would be on the environment and parking.

'Called in'

This included its own highways development control team, which said the demolition of the garages would result in the loss of up to 18 parking spaces.

It adds: "The applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to prove that the garages are not being used for the parking of cars within them."

Residents living nearby also expressed environmental concerns

Carolyn Weedont, who lives a three-minute drive from the site, said: "It would overdevelop the site and cause harm to the natural environment."

Kevin Dickinson added: "Building these properties will block the green in, spoiling the area with modern, out-of-place buildings, cramming more people in."

Carol Runciman, a Liberal Democrat, said: "There is a pressing need for more affordable homes to be built for local people to live in, but it's only right that proposals such as this are properly scrutinised.

"Many local residents have expressed their deep concerns about this proposal, which are shared by New Earswick Parish Council.

"I have ensured that the application has been 'called in' so that it will be decided by the council's planning committee, rather than by council officers."

Executive member for housing Councillor Michael Pavlovic said: "The call by the combined authority for funding applications was open to local authorities, registered housing providers and private developers for the provision of much-needed affordable housing.

"Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust has a track record of providing good quality, affordable housing and its funding application will have reflected the viability and deliverability of the development.

"Clearly the planning application is a separate matter and funding will only be released in the event it gains planning approval from a cross-party planning committee of councillors.

"If it doesn't, then funding can be reallocated to another housing scheme".