PLANS to transform a derelict site in York into hundreds of student flats look set to be turned down when they go before councillors next week.

Officers have recommended the proposals to build a mix of three, four and five-storey blocks of flats on the site of the old dairy in Hull Road be refused, as the buildings would “harm the character of the street scene”.

The report conceded that student housing was acceptable on the site in principle, but the suggested plans were considered an overdevelopment of the site The report said the “excessive height” of the proposed blocks would dominate the area and cause loss of privacy for neighbours.

In total, 17 letters from nearby residents were received objecting to the proposals on the grounds that the area already had a high student population, the buildings were too large and would block out light to neighbouring properties.

Residents feared the development would reduce the value of nearby private housing.