Ex-bus depot makes way for controversial student flats

1:18pm Tuesday 6th March 2007

THIS was the scene as the bulldozers moved in at a former York bus depot.

Plans were given the go-ahead last year to knock down the old Pullman Bus Depot, in Navigation Road, and replace it with housing for 231 students.

Despite fierce opposition from locals, the plans were approved by City of York councillors in May.

Local protesters formed the Student Flats Campaign Group, which sent a complaint letter to the office of Ruth Kelly, pictured, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. But in August the group received a letter back from the Government saying it could not intervene.

York St John University College is in talks with S Harrison Developments Ltd, of Malton, over the scheme. The college has about 6,000 full and part-time students, and claims they are a vital part of the city's economy. Almost half are mature students, aged 21 or over.