A LONG-RUNNING planning saga over a patch of land in York could come to an end next week as proposals for new homes are set to be approved.

Developers will find out whether a scheme to build nine detached properties on a site in Strensall can go ahead after two previous schemes were turned down by City of York Council.

The authority’s planning officers have recommended the latest application by Bonneycroft LLP for the land on Princess Road, which has been described as “neglected and overgrown”, for approval, and a decision will be made when its east area planning sub-committee meets next Thursday.

The company originally wanted to build a 60-bedroom care home on the site, but the plans were blocked by the council in 2009 over concerns that it was too big and would damage the “character and appearance” of the area. A subsequent appeal by the developers was dismissed, leading them to submit a second scheme for 14 homes which was withdrawn after planners recommended it for refusal.

Bonneycroft drew up a scaled-down application for ten houses, but the council rejected it last year on the grounds that it was “incongruous” and would harm the local conservation area, with another appeal against the authority’s decision failing. However, a report by development management officer Kevin O’Connell which will go before the planning meeting said the issues which led to the housing development being blocked had now been addressed by replacing three terraced houses with two detached properties.

“The revised proposal would be in keeping with the character of the area and would not have a significant impact on the street scene, protected trees, the conservation area and adjacent residents,” said the report.

“The scheme overcomes the planning committee’s concerns about the previous scheme and the inspector’s reasons for dismissing the subsequent appeal.”

Bonneycroft is expected to be asked to make a contribution of almost £36,000 towards primary education in the area if the scheme is approved. Two local residents have opposed the new homes by saying they would lead to a “loss of amenity and privacy”, but Strensall with Towthorpe Parish Council has raised no objections.