PLANS to turn a former waste tip in York into housing look set to be approved, as long as drainage issues are addressed.

City of York Council closed the Beckfield Lane waste recycling centre in April to save £130,000, despite 2,870 people signing a petition pressing for it to remain open.

The council has submitted its own planning application to build 18 houses and nine flats on the site, which will be discussed by a planning sub-committee on Thursday.

Councillors have been advised to approve the scheme once an issue with its drainage systems is addressed. The council’s flood risk management team had initially objected due to concerns over drainage.

Council planner Victoria Bell said half the semi-detached and terraced houses and nine of the flats, which will be within a three-storey block, would be affordable. Existing buildings on the site will be demolished.

The main issue raised at a public consultation was traffic, while some objectors also claimed it would overlook their homes and affect their privacy.

The planning report said the increase in traffic would be “modest” and there would be enough space between the new homes and existing houses. It said the plans would deliver housing, including affordable housing, of the type required in York.

If the plans are approved, the council is expected to put £37,468 towards providing more open space in the area, due to a significant lack of children’s play areas, outdoor sports areas and allotments in Acomb.