PLANS to convert a former York care home into flats are set to be given the green light.

Grove House in Penleys Grove Street was closed in 2015, before being sold for £1.6 million, and plans were previously submitted and approved for its redevelopment into 32 flats.

An application before City of York planners today includes a reduction in the number of flats to 29 - a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroomed units, increased roof lighting and dormer windows, and changes to the design which would remove an internal corridor and have flat doors open into the street.

The original application was called in by Councillors Denise Craghill and Janet Looker, after residents expressed concern about parts of the building being taller than the original, loss of light, landscaping and access.

When calling the matter in for further discussion, Cllr Craghill said the application was “a substantial change to the approved planning permission and there is a great deal of concern about its potential impact on resident amenity and the character of the neighbourhood”.

A report before the planning committee states the space outside the development “will be retained as a communal area and not subdivided into private garden areas”, and said an increase in height of just under 50cm “is not considered to impact on the character and appearance” of the Lord Mayor’s Walk central historic core conservation area or the Grade II-listed parts of Penleys Grove Street.

The plans also include 17 parking spaces for the 29 flats, with provision for 24 cycle spaces within the building and 10 within a separate outbuilding.

Thirteen letters of objection were sent to the council, which included complaints on parking issues, lack of details on the existing plans and changes to the height originally proposed by developers.

Bruce and Julia Norman, of St Johns Crescent, suggested the demolition of the existing building “and replacing with terraced housing, matched to the existing housing stock, facing both St Johns Crescent and Penleys Grove Street”, would be “as economically equally as attractive as the current proposal and much more aesthetically pleasing”.

Dr Pamela Hartshorne, also of St Johns Crescent, also objected: “I urge you to refuse this aspect of the proposed revisions which would have a significantly detrimental effect on the outlook from my house, as well as on the neighbourhood as a whole.”

The report said the applicant made a payment of £8,520 towards off-site sports provision, including the improvement and expansion of facilities at Heworth Rugby Club “to attract women in to sport”. This has been increased to £8,733, and an “off-site contribution for affordable housing of £210,246.00 has already been paid”.