A planning application for a new hotel development in York has been submitted by Helmsley Group.
Located on the currently derelict Mill House car park site, off North Street, the development is believed to be the first hotel to generate net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
This means during construction, the greenest alternatives to traditional construction will be used to achieve a BREEAM Excellent building. The carbon output from construction will be minimised and where it can’t be, will be offset.
It is estimated that the carbon emissions saved following the hotel’s completion will be 1,204 tonnes – the equivalent of the annual emissions of 170 UK households.
Aimed at business and tourism visitors to the city, the hotel will boast 104 rooms and will also kick-start an associated programme of wider public realm upgrades nearby, including public spaces and landscaping.
Max Reeves, development director at York-based Helmsley Group, the commercial property syndication, development finance and property development company, said: “Helmsley Group is excited about the opportunity to enhance an underutilised space and create a building of architectural and environmental high standards that will make a positive contribution to the surrounding area and wider city economy.
“The proposed hotel will have no onsite food or beverage facilities meaning all guests will spend their money at the fantastic variety of hospitality and leisure locations York has to offer, helping to support city centre businesses at a time when they need it most.”
Fiona Lomas, senior consultant, sustainability at planning and development consultancy Turley, which is supporting Helmsley Group with the planning application, said: “The proposed hotel is targeting net zero carbon in accordance with the UK Green Building Council framework, through a ‘fabric-first’ design approach.
“The proposed design also includes sustainable features such as solar PV, air source heat pumps and a biodiverse green wall. The hotel is targeting BREEAM Excellent, meeting Outstanding mandatory requirements for both energy and water sections. No car parking spaces will be provided as part of the development, to reduce carbon emissions and air quality impact associated with private car travel and will reflect York’s aspiration to become the UK’s first car-free city centre.”
Mr Reeves added: “As an organisation we are passionate about doing what we can to help the environment and the positive sustainable impact of this development is of the most upmost importance to us. This scheme has been a long time in the design process, resulting in a building we feel suits its setting while remaining visually unobtrusive on this tucked away piece of derelict land.”
A decision on the planning application is expected to be made by City of York Council later this year.
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About Helmsley Group
Helmsley Group is based at Monk’s Cross, York and has been helping clients to develop their wealth through property for 40 years. The company’s expert team provides clients and investors with a range of property investment opportunities that are always secured against land or property. https://helmsley.co.uk/