Casa by Moda and sister company Oakgate Group submit plans to City of York Council for a new sustainable development of single-family rental homes at Monks Cross in York. The planning submission was informed by a public consultation which launched in July 2022. A decision is expected in the coming months.
The consultation received positive support from the local community over the draft plans, alongside feedback from local stakeholders including York City Football Club, York NHS Foundation Trust and Vangarde and Monks Cross Shopping Centres.
Feedback revealed that respondents strongly valued the importance the plans placed on community, wellbeing and sustainability. There was also evident support for the proposed inclusion of accessible living spaces. Over 38% of respondents indicated they would be interested in renting a property at the Monks Cross scheme if plans are approved, indicating a strong desire for Casa by Moda’s offer of high-quality rental apartments at this location.
“We were confident that Casa by Moda’s offer of high-quality and accessible Build to Rent accommodation would be welcomed at this location and are enthused that several of those who responded to the consultation indicated interest in living at the site.”
Richard France, Managing Director, Oakgate Group
The Monks Cross proposal includes 139 new homes – 11 will be fully accessible homes on the ground floor. Apartments will respond to the need for new homes in York for keyworkers, growing families, professionals and downsizers.
Apartments will combine best-in-class design and build, with leading smart technology and outstanding customer service, bringing a new lifestyle-driven way of living to the suburbs of York. Long-term secure tenures will also be available.
Homes will be designed, built and operated by Casa by Moda for the long term, giving further security of tenure for residents and allowing the platform to deliver a health and wellbeing focused way of living through services and partnerships.
The Monks Cross scheme will include a range of public, private and semi-private amenity spaces in and around the neighbourhood, including roof terraces, a landscaped central garden, communal lounge, and meeting areas to promote flexible working spaces and resident engagement.
“We are pleased to reach this key milestone in the delivery of much-needed new homes for rent at Kathryn Avenue in York. Our public consultation was a hugely valuable exercise which has helped shape the plans which would deliver a new generation of rental homes at Monks Cross.
“This scheme represents a step-change for York’s rental market, including fully equipped accessible homes, at a highly sustainable and vibrant location.”
Matthew Townson, Director of Development and Projects, Casa by Moda
Located at Kathryn Avenue in Monks Cross, next to the York Community Stadium, the brownfield site is well-connected, with the Park & Ride in walking distance, as well as a choice of healthcare, retail, leisure, sports facilities and supermarkets on its doorstep. Accessed via Kathryn Avenue, the Monks Cross scheme will also include 27 car parking spaces, including four disabled spaces, and secure internal cycle storage for 140 bikes.
Casa by Moda creates social, integrated and safe neighbourhoods, where community-led groups bring like-minded people together. From running groups or outdoor fitness classes to baking and book clubs, the teams and technology will enable residents to access and engage with the community in and around them.
With a strong focus on ESG, the design, build, and operations of the site will promote attractive and sustainable spaces, including a programme of tree planting and green spaces, and improves biodiversity by introducing native species of planting, bird and bat boxes, bee bricks and wildflower areas.
As a long-term operator in the Monks Cross area, Casa by Moda will partner with local businesses and educational organisations to support the economy, education and employment priorities. The developer operator prioritises local employment wherever possible at all of it sites – and offers a range of apprenticeships across the development and construction phases of its neighbourhoods.
The regeneration in and around Monks Cross over the last few years has increased employment and demand for new homes nearby. The site presents an opportunity to redevelop the area and address the housing shortage. These plans will create up to eight new jobs, more than is currently in place with the existing operation.
