DETAILED plans to transform a historic York convent into a "sustainable student village" have been unveiled.

A planning application to convert the 19th century St Joseph's Convent on Lawrence Street into studios and apartments for students, and build new accommodation on the site, has been submitted to City of York Council.

In total, 660 student bedrooms will be created on the site, if the plans get the go ahead, but the designs show owners Vita Student and architects Fuse Studios are aiming to keep much of the historic orchard intact.

A design and access statement produced by Fuse said: "The convent building is a listed building and is proposed to be converted sympathetically, while the small burial ground and the listed boundary wall are also to be retained.

Mark Oakes, Chief Commercial Officer at parent company Select Property Group said: “We’re very proud of our plans to redevelop the former St Joseph’s Convent on Lawrence Street as we believe it will bring this vacant site back into use as a high quality facility for the students of York – a population which is ever-growing with an identified demand for the quality of accommodation we can offer."

The York Civic Trust has already responded to the application, which was made in mid October, saying they have concerns about the appropriateness of the site for student housing, given the density of other student developments in Lawrence Street, Walmgate and Navigation Road, and other neighbours have raised concerns about a lack of parking provision, and overlooking from some of the buildings into homes nearby.

Mr Oakes added: “We have consulted with City of York Council, the general public and other key stakeholders and having received comments as part of the planning application process we are now in the process of reviewing the feedback provided and evolving our plans to ensure that the proposed Vita Student residence makes the best use of this fantastic location."

St Joseph's Convent was home to a closed order of Poor Clare Colettines for 140 years, until its closure was announced in October last year.

Land has been acquired by Vita Student Management, and the company held a community consultation event to show people their plans for the site in August.

Under the plans, the accommodation will be split between single and double occupancy studio rooms, and student cluster bedrooms around shared kitchens and living rooms.

The 1874 built convert buildings with refectory and chapel will be converted into communal spaces including shared kitchens, dining areas, and social spaces.