Apartment plans for former Nestlé factory set for approval

A former chocolate factory in York, which at one time employed 8,000 workers, is set to be converted into apartments after plans were recommended for approval.The historic Nestlé factory on Haxby Road opened in 1892, but the Almond buildings were only constructed in 1910 while the cream block was built in 1936 and further extended to the north in 1938 in an art deco style.The buildings have sat empty since 2008 when the building was no longer suitable for modern production.Property development company Newby is aiming to transform The Cocoa Works into 258 apartments while maintaining its industrial heritage with minimal change to the façade.The plans, which were submitted in February, would create a mix of one-, two- and three bedroom apartments.The apartments would be created over six existing floors and includes a roof-top extension.A new 4,000 sq ft convenience store, storage for 288 bicycles and 173 external parking spaces as well as landscaped areas with feature lighting to the front and back of the building are also proposed.According to a report to be scrutinised by York councillors next week (15 June), the redevelopment would “enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area , and not harm the historic and architectural importance of the listed library” while providing “needed housing”.Councillors are asked to approve the proposal subject to a suitable section 106 agreement.Subject to planning consent, Newby hopes to be able to start works on site by November with a phased programme of works over 30 months. The first phase of apartments will be released for sale in summer 2018.Axis Architecture has designed the scheme and York-based O’Neill Associates is appointed planning consultant.