Affordable housing battles Green Belt in upcoming York decision
A proposed Jomast development of 106 affordable houses on 11 acres to the east of New Lane, Huntington, is tipped to be approved this week, despite a host of objections.
Situated on Green Belt land on former farmland, the finished scheme would be managed by Together Housing and be offered to York key workers through a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership options.
The land is approximately 2.5km north-east of York city centre and 1.5km south from the centre of Huntington village, and would include 54 two-bed, 45 three-bed, and seven four-bed homes.
The project team includes O’Neill Associates as planning consultant and GT3 Architect.
Although the site is located on Green Belt, Jomast has argued that it will help to meet the need for affordable housing in York, which it describes as ‘critical’.
The developer has also pointed out that the land is set amongst considerable residential and commercial sites in the area, including Monks Cross and Vangarde to the east and north east of the land. It is also close to housing at Saddlers Close and Forge Close to the north, as well as further industrial and commercial spots, including the Portakabin headquarters and large retail buildings.
However, this argument appears to have also spurred most of the objections, with complainants voicing their concerns about the overdevelopment of the area.
Cllrs Keith Orrell, Carol Runciman, and Chris Cullwick, who represent Huntington and New Earswick Ward, lodged a complaint stating: “There is minimal local support for the development of land in this area of New Lane. There is and has been support for housing development in our area in recent years.
“Four housing developments have been completed and there is now permission for a further 970 homes on Monks Cross Link Road, Huntington. This proposal was supported by residents for the Huntington Neighbourhood Plan.
“All this housing will increase the number of homes in Huntington by 25%. The infrastructure of our area is not equipped to deal with more than this level of development… Whilst this land is not a designated park it does act as a green lung for our area allowing habitat for wildlife.”
However, the need for affordable housing in the York area has also been acknowledged, with one letter of support from Alice Ingram, business engagement manager at the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, saying: “The proposals would deliver much-needed affordable homes in a suitable location nearby to a range of facilities at Monks Cross and Vangarde, as well as sustainable travel options via the Park & Ride.
“The Chamber particularly welcomes this proposal because it includes a period of exclusivity for local key workers, which we believe is very welcome and valuable given the rising cost of living and challenges in affordability in York.
“The Chamber knows from speaking with businesses that many struggle to attract and retain a workforce due to rent and ownership challenges.
“Additionally, our vital public services in York depend on a local workforce, and are faced with the challenge of key workers finding suitable places to live.
“Proposals like this on New Lane will help to address this growing issue. We would urge the Council to approve these plans to help ease the housing crisis in York.”
A decision will be made at the upcoming planning committee meeting on 7 November.
Details of the development can be found on the council’s planning portal, with the reference 23/01016/OUTM.
