A development of 14 affordable homes has been approved in a historic York suburb.

The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust received approval for the scheme at a meeting of the City of York Council planning committee on Thursday.

The trust says the scheme, featuring a mix of 2-3 bed homes, will meet local demand for housing for couples and small families.

The plans include 8 homes for social rent, and 6 homes offered through the JRHT Shared Ownership Programme, which enables residents to buy a portion of their home whilst renting the rest.  

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The plans concerning the site Garthway West, New Earswick, were initially deferred by the City of York Council's planning committee in August. Councillors were concerned how the development would reduce vegetation in the area and they sought better protection for a hedgerow.

The trust says it has collaborated closely with the council since then, addressing their requests for additional information, which led to their approval.

A report prepared for the Thursday meeting said: “The scheme is still more dense than typical buildings in the immediate vicinity and so is somewhat out of character with this, which is not ideal. However, to counter this the visual impacts from main public routes are low.

“The proposals also have quite small outdoor space for some units,  however they are small homes- with more typical private outdoor space than would be provided if living in a similar sized apartment.

“The overall site layout strategy is also a good one and the architectural design of buildings are quite attractive. the proposal has support on design grounds. understand the applicant over-provides on CYC policies for affordable housing, which if correct could be weighed against potential negatives.”

The report by council planning staff noted six objections from nearby residents and from New Earswick Parish Council. People feared demolishing garages to make way for the homes would worsen parking problems in the area.  The council was concerned over a lack of detail concerning EV chargers and heat pumps.

However, mindful of a ‘housing crisis’ with 1,200 residents on the council’s housing register, planning committee backed the scheme.

JHRT managing director Chris Simpson said: “We are delighted to work with the City of York Council to increase the availability of affordable homes in York, where housing prices and rental costs continue to escalate beyond already unaffordable levels. 

“Good quality homes improve our lives and support our health, and everyone in the UK deserves access to an affordable and safe home. These new homes are a key part of our commitment to delivering 1,000 additional affordable homes by 2029 for those in the greatest need.” 

The new homes will be built on land owned by JRHT, utilising two disused garage sites on Garthway West.  

Each home will have allocated parking and a private garden, with access directly from Garthway.  

The homes will be built to high energy efficiency standards, ensuring they remain affordable for residents.   

Construction is expected to start in 2025, the trust added.