A new student apartment scheme in York by S Harrison has been approved by local planning officers and the council following the company updated its initial plans before re-submitting it for consideration.

The scheme was scaled down and now includes 231 study bedrooms in clusters of up to eight, which have shared living and dining areas in the three to five storey development on the site of the former Alton Cars on James Street in York. There will also be 72 individual studio rooms, and includes communal areas on the ground floor, as well as soft landscaped areas, including a public pocket park on the site’s southeast corner.

Gavin Douglas, from S Harrison, said: “It’s a positive outcome that will help address the huge demand for student accommodation in the city, of which there is a chronic shortage. We look forward to delivering the scheme soon.”

In addition to delivering improved cycle infrastructure on James Street, the development will have a 3.5m wide shared pedestrian and cycle lane along the site’s eastern boundary.

Gavin said: “Schemes like this not only regenerate and deliver a viable new future for a redundant site, but they bring added value to the local community by investing in the local infrastructure. Students provide a massive boost to the economy of this city, supporting jobs and creating a vibrant community.

“Specifically designed for the booming student sector in York, these new, modern, energy efficient spaces are within close proximity of the universities and an ideal home for students wanting to live in this popular part of the city.”