Planning secured for student accommodation scheme in York city centre

A major transformation project on Percy’s Lane in York has been given the green light by planning officials at City of York Council.

The development will see an industrial unit replaced with a modern building that will provide purpose built living accommodation for 106 students.

The scheme, by York development company S Harrison, will consist of a mix of one, three, five and six bedroom en-suite apartments and townhouses.

The three and four storey buildings will also include a study space, gym, cinema, common room, games room and courtyard area.

In addition, the development will enable electrical contractor and retailer Herbert Todd & Son, which currently trades from the site, to expand into new premises at Monks Cross.

Planning was granted earlier this year for the brand new purpose built retail unit, which will also be developed by S Harrison, and will offer a modern showroom, warehouse, workshop area and office space.

Work is due to start on the Monks Cross development during October and it will be ready for Herbert Todd & Son to move into early next year.

Work will then start at Percy’s Lane during summer 2017. The new development will be complete in time for the start of the 2018/19 academic year.

Chris Hale from S Harrison, said: “We’re delighted to secure planning permission for the student apartments. In recent years there has been a lot of development on Percy’s Lane, and this site is one of the last pieces of the jigsaw, so the new building has been specifically designed to enhance the local streetscape and complement its surroundings.

“Over the last decade both the University of York and York St John University have grown at a rapid rate and as the city’s student population increases, these type of purpose built student accommodation schemes play a vital role in reducing demand for York’s housing stock.

“It’s also extremely positive news for Herbert Todd & Son, and it’s great to see such a longstanding York based business preparing to embark on a new chapter in its life.”

David Todd from Herbert Todd & Son, added: “We have established a large and loyal customer base over the years, however ongoing development in the area means we’ve become hidden away from a lot of passing trade and our building is now out of place in the surrounding area.

“In order to move forward, we need a modern, retail led building and these new premises will help us to build our presence in York and continue growing the business. It also makes way for a new and vibrant development that is much more in keeping with the Percy’s Lane of today.”