Plans for UK’s largest zero carbon development in York

City of York Council has submitted planning applications for its first generation of zero-carbon, exceptional yet affordable homes.

The plans, designed by Stirling Prize-winning architect Mikhail Riches, are for Burnholme and Duncombe Barracks: two of eight sites on the council’s Housing Delivery Programme which is its largest housing programme for a generation, and will create 600 ambitious and aspirational homes over five years.

These plans aim to develop a sense of community through a variety of high quality public outdoor spaces provided within green and healthy neighbourhoods. They create opportunities for residents to spend time together safely within low-car developments where active travel is promoted and alongside access to generous private outdoor space.

To make them affordable, 40 per cent will be for social rent or shared ownership – that’s twice the number required by planning guidelines.

Denise Craghill, executive member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said: “I want to thank all the residents who have worked with us, our architects and partners, to co-design these plans. Submitting them hopefully, will bring these exceptional homes another step closer. The homes are carefully designed to help improve residents’ lives by meeting net zero carbon standards, supporting the city’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030 while also helping us tackle fuel poverty.”