Planning permission has been granted for 36 new affordable homes at the former Willow House site in Walmgate, York, with the development set to deliver a mix of social rent and shared ownership properties close to the city centre.
The scheme, approved by City of York Council last week, will provide 60% of the homes for social rent, with the remaining 40% available through shared ownership to eligible buyers.
The development will include a mix of energy-efficient flats and family homes, most of which will benefit from private outdoor space. Plans also include communal play areas for children, community growing space and accessible homes for disabled residents, alongside dedicated parking and on-street EV charging points.
The site, located just inside York’s historic city walls at Walmgate Bar, is the former location of a care home. Further archaeological investigations are expected once construction begins following earlier supervised community exploration work on the site.
REGENERATION SCHEME
City of York Council said the homes had been designed with local input in partnership with architects Mikhail Riches, with each property including its own front door onto the street in a move aimed at reducing service charges and improving privacy for residents.
The council said the scheme forms part of wider regeneration and improvement plans for the Walmgate area, while helping address ongoing affordability pressures in York’s housing market.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, says: “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, adds: “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.”
