PLANS to build eight ‘upside down’ family homes near York city centre have won the go-ahead after a planning inspector overturned a decision by councillors to refuse permission.

The new 2,3 and 4 bedroom houses are set to be built with living spaces at first floor level with access to private gardens created on a deck above a parking area.

The proposals to redevelop the site of WLD Textiles in Lansdowne Terrace, off Lawrence Street, were originally submitted to City of York Council in September 2019 by Jacksons Roofing.

They were twice recommended for approval by officers, only to be refused by the planning committee.

York Press: A CGI of the proposed development by Carve Architecture.

The Planning Inspector’s report dismissed the previous reasons for refusal, stating: "Rather than indicating an over-development of the site, as the council contend, in this instance I am instead satisfied that the appellant has satisfactorily demonstrated considerable attention to detail and appreciation of site constraints to develop a scheme that would make efficient use of the site whilst providing acceptable living conditions for future occupiers."

The development was designed by local architects practice, Carve Architecture. Partner Tim Hatton said he was delighted the inspector had agreed with planning oficers' original assessment, adding: "The scheme will deliver much needed new housing in a sustainable location."

The inspector, G Robbie, said the main issues were the effects of the proposed development upon the loss of an existing employment use, the character and appearance of the surrounding area and the living conditions of occupiers of nearby properties and of occupiers of the proposed dwellings

"I am satisfied that the appellant has demonstrated in sufficient terms, particularly given the paucity of compelling alternative evidence to the contrary from the council, that the existing land and buildings are not viable for continued employment uses," said the inspector, adding that the limited window openings and ‘expanse of brick’ proposed for the façade would not, as the council feared, be oppressive or unsympathetic.