DPP Planning have submitted a planning application for a new purpose built student accomodation scheme close to York city centre.
Olympian Homes have submitted the plans to City of York Council on the former Mecca bingo hall site in Fishergate, working with the owners of the site, Grantside and North Star, following a public consultation process.
The proposals for the bingo hall which closed in March include 280 student bedrooms, landscaping and extensive bicycle parking.
George Downes, from Olympian Homes, said:
“We believe these plans will regenerate this sustainable brownfield site into a high-quality new student community, which will help to free up family homes in the city that are currently used for student accommodation.
“We will replace this unattractive building with a well-designed new development that fits in with its surroundings.”
A recently published report by the Citizens Advice York and University of York Students Union highlighted that poor quality student accommodation and management, often in converted houses, harmed the mental and physical health of students.
There are about 27,000 registered students in full-time education from the city’s two universities and just over 10,000 purpose-built student bedrooms.
The developers say there are fewer than 700 in the pipeline, either being built or with planning permission.
Michelle Davies, Director at DPP Planning, said:
“We have enjoyed a really positive and productive pre-application process with City of York Council in developing this scheme and now look forward to progressing it through planning.”
Image: Olympian Homes
