A PUBLIC inquiry will be held next month into controversial plans to build an old people’s home on York land earmarked for affordable housing.

The proposals by Bonnycroft LLP for a three-storey, 60-bedroom nursing home in Princess Road, Strensall, were thrown out by councillors after scores of villagers lodged objections.

The decision was made despite City of York Council officials recommending councillors to give the go-ahead.

The site is near the existing Moorlands Nursing Home and has already been designated by the authority as suitable for family housing.

Local people said the development would lead to traffic tailbacks and unbearable demand for parking spaces, and also claimed the building would be too large for the a residential street.

One resident, Bill Darlington, claimed the proposed structure would be “overbearing and overwhelming”, particularly for his home and those of his neighbours.

Strensall and Towthorpe Parish Council also objected, citing concerns about difficulties for pedestrians, particularly those with restricted mobility.

The applicants lodged an appeal against refusal, and this will now be heard at an inquiry to be held at 10am on September 7, at The Village Hall, in Northfields, Strensall.

Copies of the council’s and appellant’s statements, proofs of evidence and summaries, can be inspected at the council’s offices during normal office hours once they have been prepared. If people wish to view them, they should phone 01904 551339 to arrange for files to be made available to them.

The council’s Labour group leader, Coun James Alexander, said he had spoken at the original planning meeting against the proposal and was pleased when the planning committee turned it down.

“The proposal will take land out of use that has already been designated for family housing and this is much needed in York,” he said.

“The proposed development will be intrusive to local residents and lead to both parking and traffic problems.

“I am surprised that Bonnycroft are pursuing this appeal in the face of opinion of the planning committee and local residents.”


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