Homes to be built on former Civil Service Sports Ground

Miller Homes have won a planning appeal which will see 266 homes built on Green Belt land. The site lies between Millfield Lane and Boroughbridge Road. 30% of the homes to be built will be classified as “affordable”

The results of the planning appeal went against the views of local conservationists . Consequently a key greenfield site will be lost following the ruling by the planning inspector.

The decision will effectively sever the green wedge which currently separates the City from Poppleton.

The York Council did not resist the appeal which was made against “non determination”. The application had been outstanding since 2014

Objectors had hoped to put their case to the inspectors who will be looking at the Councils draft Local Plan over the next few weeks.

The inspector concluded that there would be a “considerable loss of openness if the proposal was agreed”.

The decision – taken with the plan to develop the former school and sugar factory sites on Boroughbridge Road – will have a major impact on transport in the area.

Hopes that more land would be allocated for open space and a park have received a major setback.

The Inspector concluded  “that very special circumstances exist to justify inappropriate development in the Green Belt”.

It is unclear how the costs of the inquiry will be met.