DOZENS of new affordable homes will be built on former playing fields in York.

City of York Council’s planning committee approved plans to build 69 new affordable homes on land off Windmill Lane, formerly playing fields owned by York St John University.

The homes will be built by Yorkshire Housing, and made available to families. The homes will also include front and rear gardens and off-street parking, and the development will include a children’s playground and open public space.

More than 1,300 people signed a petition against the development, which was granted outline planning permission in 2017. Cllr Michael Pavlovic told the committee that “the general feeling is that it’s disappointing that we are here at all as the playing fields were much enjoyed locally and the campaign to retain them had a great deal of support”.

However, Cllr Pavlovic said he acknowledged that the development was “the best option available for residents”.

Rob Hickey, chief operating officer at York St John University, said the development would provide “much needed affordable housing” for the city.