York Council’s Labour administration was unable to make all homes on a new development affordable because it was too far advanced when they took power, its housing spokesperson has said.

Friday, 5 September 2025 14:53

By Joe Gerrard

Cllr Michael Pavlovic said they would have done the scheme featuring 34 energy-efficient Passivhaus homes at Duncombe Square differently if it began under Labour’s tenure, after previously saying prices were obscene.

Environment Executive Member Cllr Jenny Kent said the homes, three-fifths of which will be offered at social rents or through shared ownership schemes, were designed to keep bill costs down.

But Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Nigel Ayre said open market homes were being sold for up to almost £700,000, despite Cllr Pavlovic previously criticising estimated average prices of £500,000.

It comes ahead of the homes, in Burton Stone Lane off Bootham, being released for sale on Friday, September 12.

The development is nearing completion after planning permission was first granted in 2021 and building started in 2022 under the council’s previous Liberal Democrat and Green coalition administration.

It features 23 two to four bedroom terraced houses and 11 one-bed apartments which are all designed to Passivhaus standards which aim to reduce the need for heating and cooling.

Duncombe Square’s design features including a central green space, coloured doors, lower garden fences and communal growing areas aim to foster a community spirit amongst residents.

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