Ethan Investments and Properties have submitted plans for a 32-bed PBSA development in York. The scheme would replace an empty office block, Rougier House, in Rougier Street.
The new application seeks to deliver 32 studios, with seven on the ground floor, eight on the first and second floors and a mezzanine introduced within the roof to create a new third floor to house nine further studios. Parking for 36 bikes would be provided in a courtyard to the rear.
Ethan Investments states that the re-use of the Rougier House building will give rise to more activity in and around the site. However, this level of activity is appropriate to a central location, with no negative impacts from the development of the building arising from its reuse.
The application said the use of the building is an ‘appropriate and sustainable’ alternative use of the site, with good links to the University of York and York St John University.
City of York planning policies have already determined that residential use in the area is acceptable.
“The change in nature of city centre uses is evolving and the provision of student accommodation in this sustainable location will add to the vibrancy and levels of economic activity in this part of the city centre.”
John Howlett Planning Ltd, Design and Heritge statement
