HOUSES are to be built on a former playground in west York, after councillors gave the development the go-ahead.

Nine homes for rent will be provided on the redundant playground in Chapelfields Road, Westfield.

Local councillor Sue Galloway said: "This area of land is an eyesore and has been a constant source of complaints from residents regarding its condition.

"The playground itself has not been used for over 20 years.

"I am pleased that we have been able to bring forward a suitable scheme which will provide nine much-needed family homes for rent and I look forward to an early start on the scheme."

The eight two-bed houses and the one three-bed house will be built using funds released by The Housing Corporation and will form a cul-de-sac development off Chapelfields Road.

They will be built to eco-homes "very good" rating and will have recycling facilities within the dwelling.

Car parking and bike storage facilities will also be provided. The scheme will also provide funding towards the cost of establishing a playground within the Westfield School playing fields and it is hoped that a small football pitch could also be provided on land accessible from Grange Lane.

At the planning meeting, councillors also approved plans for two wind turbines at Tesco, at Askham Bar.

As previously reported, the supermarket giant wants to install two 10.6-metre, six kilowatt turbined, to provide energy from a renewable source to benefit the environment.

Local councillor Tom Holvey told The Press: "I think it's great for the environment and I think it's good that big companies are taking steps towards helping climate change."

A council planning officer had recommended the turbines get the go-ahead, writing: "They would be compatible with the nature of the surrounding developments, and would not significantly harm the outlook from the neighbouring housing."


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