Plan for dozens of homes refused over road concern

Plans for 114 "affordable homes" in York have been blocked amid concerns over the impact on traffic, green belt land and a neighbouring football club.

Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust's application for the homes - on land off Sim Balk Lane opposite York College - was refused by City of York Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

The applicant's agent told councillors the development would provide affordable houses for local people.

Objectors said building homes close to the college and the White Rose Park football ground could fuel congestion in the area.

Plans from the housing association proposed building 68-three bedroom homes, with two and four-bedroom properties also part of the scheme.

Robert Waite, the applicant's agent, said: "These homes would all be affordable, making an important contribution to the highest priority of housing needed in the local market.

"The overall effect of traffic is considered to be neutral."

He added: "Rather than shutting the door on the positive potential of these plans, we hope they can be supported."

Planning officers ruled the plans did not do enough to encourage public transport use or walking and cycling, and the impact of more cars had not been adequately assessed.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust also objected over the potential impact on green belt land, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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