A £120 MILLION scheme for a further 662 homes on York's Hungate site has been submitted to planners.

The proposals for the last four phases of one of Yorkshire's largest residential regeneration projects will take the total number of new homes to more than 1,000 - considerably higher than the 720 originally proposed.

Developers Lendlease and joint venture partner Evans Property Group said the affordable element was still under negotiation with City of York Council, but they expected the percentage to be around the level of the two previous applications - which were 19 and 16 per cent.

The scheme also involves the creation of two new public squares, a new community centre and approximately 20,000 sq ft of retail space, such as convenience stores and coffee shops.

Developers Lendlease and joint venture partner Evans Property Group say the increase in the number of apartments is accounted for by a reduction in the amount of retail space rather than an increase in the scale of the buildings, and it reflects increased demand for residential accommodation.

A spokesman said the Hungate development was already well under way, with 162 new homes completed as part of phase 1, and a further 195 apartments currently being delivered under phase 2.

He said the additional 662 homes would include a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, designed by international practice, John Thompson & Partners.

The 1.5 acres of landscaped public realm, designed by Neil Tully Associates, would include St John’s Square, an open green space at the heart of the development, plus a second – Friars Quay – overlooking the River Foss.

"A network of pedestrian walkways and cycle paths will open up the site and create direct connections to the neighbouring city centre and residential districts across the river, via the newly installed bridge," said the spokesman.

He said there would be 22,000 sq ft of green roof space alongside double the volume of hedges and lawned areas than originally outlined, and there would be 33 per cent more cycle parking and electric car charging points.

Richard Cook, head of residential at Lendlease, said Hungate was the last major brownfield site within the city walls, and this final plan illustrated its commitment to fulfilling its potential, and meeting the ever-growing need for new homes in the area.

"We have a successful track record in creating thriving new communities, having recently completed the Green Quarter in Manchester," he said.

"We believe the masterplan for Hungate offers the perfect combination of homes, retail and public realm in order to deliver a truly sustainable community.”

If the planning application is successful, the project will sustain more than 120 construction jobs for another five or six years, with the buildings to be delivered in four phases. Construction is due to start next year with completion by 2020 or 2021.