A CAR body workshop could be transformed into student apartments as developers push ahead with plans.

York-based development company S Harrison has submitted a planning application to build modern student accommodation in James Street, York.

The scheme would see an industrial unit, occupied by Alton Cars, replaced with a new development of 308 bedrooms in cluster apartments, all with their own communal kitchens, living areas and dining facilities, and 30 studio apartments.

The development, which has been designed by York-based CSP Architects, includes a large central communal area offering study space, games room, cinema, gym and laundry facilities, in addition to two outdoor landscaped courtyards.

The site’s central location means it will be almost entirely car free; a large cycle store will be incorporated into the scheme.

Gavin Douglas, from S Harrison, said: “Submitting this planning application follows a public consultation that didn’t generate a single objection and comes at a time when demand for student accommodation is significantly outstripping supply.

“This summer there have been numerous reports about York running out of student accommodation and there’s no doubt purpose-built student accommodation schemes can alleviate the problem, as well as freeing up existing housing stock for local families.

“We’ve specifically designed this development to sit comfortably in the largely residential surroundings at this end of James Street.

“The new building is a much better fit for the local streetscape and existing neighbours than the current industrial unit and it will significantly improve the view from the adjacent conservation area along Lawrence Street.”

S Harrison has previously turned the neighbouring former Working Men’s Club and The Tam O’ Shanter public house, in Lawrence Street, into a 115-bedroom premium student accommodation scheme, which completed in 2017.

S Harrison has delivered several other student accommodation developments in York recently, including St John Central in the city centre, Abode in Navigation Road and Percys Place, in Walmgate.

Other York schemes by the company include City of York Council’s headquarters at West Offices and the adjacent Hampton-by-Hilton Hotel in Toft Green and Lidl, James Street.

The company won an industry award for the best refurbishment and extension of a listed building, for Groves Chapel in York city centre, which it transformed into a residential-led mixed use development.

S Harrison was also behind the transformation of the Grade II listed Hunter House, just 120 metres from York Minster, into high-quality apartments.