Reserved Matters proposals submitted for Heworth Gasworks

In July 2020 outline planning consent for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Heworth gasworks site was granted with all matters reserved except for access, layout and scale. The consent for the erection of a maximum of 607 residential dwellings, 130sqm commercial use and landscaping after demolition of the existing gasworks.

The existing brownfield site at Heworth Green has been identified in York’s draft Local Plan as a key site for residential redevelopment. Derelict with live gas infrastructure along its western edge, the site has been a blight on the local area for over a decade.

Remediation and redevelopment of the contaminated site for this reserved matters application delivers a design approach born out of the principles set out in the outline approval. Comprising one, two and three bed apartments and duplex units the proposals create a diverse and sustainable neighbourhood with access to high quality amenities for future generations of the local community.

The design improves the impact on adjacent the conservation area by addressing the character of its context, providing high quality dwellings that meet current standards, are appropriate in scale and mass to the townscape. The development character zones present two clearly articulated narratives: a defined townhouse architectural vernacular, with strong articulation and features that echo the local history sits to the north west of the site. To the east the buildings take on a more muted palette of earthy and organic materials, with increasingly detailed building elements that become subservient to the landscaped park and surrounding areas. A tactile quality of development, the quality of details and the robustness of materials are recognised as key to the success of the development.

Public realm improvements and amenity spaces are provided in a vitally important setting that is key to the success of the whole development and its role in stitching together the proposed masterplan and surrounding context, framing views of the minster as it opens into the heart of the site around a large, landscaped park. Pedestrian friendly environments reduce the dependency on cars across the site, whilst landscaped podiums, private balconies and terraces all offer residents excellent public and private amenity spaces - an important provision in the current COVID-19 climate.

A planning decision is expected in late 2021.