CONTROVERSIAL plans for 14 new houses in Fulford have been approved by City of York Council.

The detached four, five or six bedroom houses will be built within the grounds of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute’s Connaught Court Care Home off St Oswald’s Road, within the conservation area.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Fulford, addressed the Planning Committee, said he shared the views of Fulford Parish Council and believed the application was ‘not right’ for Fulford in its current form.

He said local residents had raised concerns about flooding, the loss of landmark trees and green space, and the fact that no affordable housing will be provided.

The York Natural Environment Panel had also criticised the loss of green land.