PLANS have been unveiled to turn a historic former hospital in the shadow of York Minster into new homes.

The proposals would see the Purey Cust, which has stood empty since private healthcare firm Nuffield Healthcare moved out several years ago, converted into nine house and three apartments.

Under the scheme, drawn up by the building’s owners YO1 Properties, a ground-floor goods area and some of the more recent brick extensions to the site would be demolished and the rest of the former private hospital and nursing home refurbished.

A planning application for the development in Precentor’s Court has now been submitted to City of York Council and a decision is expected to be made in April. The Purey Cust was used as a hospital from the start of the First World War and was taken over by Nuffield in 1984, but the company moved to new premises in Haxby Road in the mid-2000s.

Last month, The Press revealed how the site is to be used as the production base for Eternal Law, a six-part ITV drama series which will be filmed in York.

“Various potential uses have been discussed to develop the site, but options are limited due to its location as it is enclosed by the City Walls, the Minster Yard and a variety of other ancient buildings,” said a design and access statement on YO1’s behalf.

“The aim of the design is to preserve and enhance the appearance of the existing original buildings. The front elevation will be largely unchanged, meaning the principal façade of the building will reflect the appearance from when it was originally constructed.”

The firm plans to include one six-bedroom, four four-bedroom, and three three-bedroom houses within the building, with the size of the final home yet to be decided, as well as three one-bedroom apartments, and said the aim of the scheme was to “maintain and increase the heritage value” of the Purey Cust. It is not yet how much the homes will cost.

Shooting of Eternal Law, whose makers Kudos Film and Television and Monastic Productions created hit series such as Spooks and Life On Mars, is expected to start at the end of this month, with the show being screened next year.