PLANS for two new colleges at the University of York will increase parking problems for residents, according to councillors.

The scheme will provide accommodation for 1,480 students and is set to be approved at a council planning meeting this afternoon.

But Hull Road ward councillors Michael Pavlovic and Neil Barnes said the plans for the “car free development” will have an impact on residents’ parking.

Cllr Pavlovic said there are already issues with staff and students parking on streets in Badger Hill and surrounding areas, rather than using the pay-and-display car parks on campus.

Cllr Barnes said: “In official circles the university campus has no impact on parking on local streets. Councillors and residents know better.

“We are astounded that the official survey suggests no uplift in parking levels. The evidence in front of our eyes suggests differently, whilst we never even get to access the actual survey results.

“Limited parking measures in years gone by have had a minor impact but these latest developments at the university are a game changer and not for the better.

“It’s time for the university to get real about the impact of staff and student parking on local streets.”

A report prepared for the planning committee says: “In respect to car parking and particularly the impact on surrounding residential areas, the university encourages students not to access the campus in private vehicles, in line with their travel plan.

“There are existing pay-and-display car parks available on the periphery of the campus and surrounding residential areas are part of the council’s residential permit scheme.

“In line with the outline consent, the university undertakes annual surveys of traffic flows.”

The University of York has been approached for a comment.