Mason Residences’ plans to convert an empty 18th-century building and offices into a 25-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) block have been approved by York Council’s Planning Committee.
The proposals included planning and listed building consent to change the use of 5/5A Main Street (the listed building) and The Hive into PBSA. The property was last used as an office by the University of York.
The building is set to be converted into four clusters of 17 bedrooms and eight studio apartments, three of which will be accessible. Two disabled parking spaces are planned, along with one bay for staff.
To facilitate the change of use of the building, a two-storey extension to the rear and a single-storey extension to the side were proposed to The Hive, alongside changes to the buildings external appearance. Once complete, the accommodation would be managed by an on-site team during the weekdays.
The property is in Heslington Village, one of York’s peripheral villages located southeast of the city. It is also in the Heslington Conservation Area.
Janet O’Neill, who spoke on the developer’s behalf, told councillors the convoluted layout of the 300-year-old building made it unfit for other uses, with works needed to stop further deterioration. Mason Residences Property Manager Emma Morgan said the buildings had already suffered from vandalism and water leaks.
“We’ve got a 300-year-old building that would have been designed originally as a gentleman’s home, it’s got a convoluted layout so it’s not fit for people to work in.
“It would cost a lot to bring these buildings back in use, student housing is appropriate for them.”
Statement to Councillors, Janet O’Neill, O’Neill Planning Associates Limited
The planning approval decision comes after the planning application was put on hold in March so more information could be sought on accommodation at the University of York and the marketing of the building.
The University of York sold the Grade II-listed building and the 1960s office block known as The Hive in 2023 and it was on the market for seven months before its sale.
The wider project team for The Hive includes O’Neill Planning Associates, Will Aust Architecture, Cushman & Wakefield, The Planning Station and arcelle.
