A NEW five-storey block of student flats could be built in York city centre.

Plans have been submitted for a 98-bedroom student accommodation block to be built on Redeness Street, on part of a site currently used by York Motor Factors.

The site is near the 326-bedroom Brickworks student accommodation block, which opened in September 2016.

Planning documents submitted for the new block by developers Maple Grove Developments say the site would provide “high quality student accommodation” in a “strategic position in close proximity to York St John’s University”.

It says: “The proposals will deliver significant benefits to the local area including: bringing back into active, beneficial use a currently underutilised site; provision of high quality, managed student accommodation in line with the needs of the city.”

The managing director of iQ, the company that runs the Brickworks, Iliya Blazic, has written a letter of support for the application, saying he would like it to become an “extension” of the block.

The letter says every room in Brickworks has been rented out since the scheme opened and adds: “We are working with key stakeholders in the York higher education sector to help address accommodation needs and provide a convenient and safe living environment for students in the city.”

The new development would have no student parking but long-term cycle parking spaces could be provided in the future depending on demand.

The planning application says: “Maple Grove Developments are looking to secure redevelopment of the proposed site as an extension to the Brickworks scheme through a contemporary new building and associated landscape, to enhance the surrounding environs with a focus towards offering new high quality student accommodation.

“Clear paths are formed to enable the scheme to be connected to the adjacent Brickworks scheme. Student accommodation will be separated from Redeness Street with an enhanced landscape buffer.”

The application would see existing buildings demolished to make way for the block.