Thirty-six new affordable homes will be built next to York City Walls after gaining planning permission.
The flats and family homes will be built on the site of Willow House in Walmgate.
Designed to be energy efficient, 60% will be for social rent and 40% will be available for eligible people to buy a share through the shared ownership scheme.
Most homes will enjoy private outdoor space. There will also be a children’s play area and a community growing space.
The homes will be accessible for disabled people who will also have dedicated parking space with on-street EV charging points charging domestic rates.
Each home – flats included – will have a front door onto the street which saves on service charges and gives extra privacy.
The plans were approved at a City of York Council planning committee meeting on Thursday.
Local people have been involved in developing the plans with architects Mikhail Riches.
The site is of a former care home and sits just inside the city walls at Walmgate Bar.
Community archaeological exploration has already taken place and, when work begins, further archaeological work is expected to unearth more finds.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, the council’s executive member for housing said: “Local residents have been incredibly generous with their time to help with the design of the housing and the area around it.
“Alongside major improvements planned for the Walmgate area, this 100% Council rent-funded and shared ownership development will make a really positive difference to residents and the city as a whole.
“This planning permission recognises the importance of high-quality housing that meets the needs of lower-income households.
“Many local people can find that they struggle to afford living in the areas where they grew up. More social rent and shared ownership homes mean more residents can afford to live in their home communities.
“By building highly energy-efficient homes, the residents will find them cheaper to run too.”
Mikhail Riches architect Sophie Cole said: “We are delighted that Willow House received unanimous support at the planning committee.
“This is a constrained site with complex boundary conditions, including the wonderful City Wall along its southern edge.
“The proposal sensitively responds to this unique context, retaining views to the Minster from the City Wall and opening up views and routes from Long Close Lane through to Walmgate Bar.”
You can read the planning application here.
