News

Helmsley Group submits plans for zero carbon hotel

Turley is providing expert Sustainability and Heritage & Townscape services to Helmsley Group for a planning application for a new hotel development in York which was recently submitted.

Located on the currently derelict Mill House car park site, off North Street, the development is believed to be the first hotel proposal in the country to meet net zero carbon requirements in line with the UK Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework.

This means during construction, the greenest alternatives to traditional construction will be used to achieve a BREEAM Excellent building. The carbon output from construction will be minimised and where it can’t be, will be offset via a recognised framework.  

It is estimated that the carbon emissions saved via offset following the hotel’s completion will be 1,024 tonnes – the equivalent of the annual emissions of 170 UK households.

Aimed at business and tourism visitors to the city, the hotel will boast 99 rooms and will also kick-start an associated programme of wider public realm upgrades nearby, including public spaces and landscaping.

Fiona Lomas, Senior Consultant, Sustainability said:

“In line with the UK Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Framework the development will offset its construction carbon and is reducing operational emissions by almost 50% using the latest carbon factors. Remaining operational energy demands can be met using appropriate off-site renewable energy supplies procured by the operator so that the development achieves net zero carbon in operation.  

“The proposed design includes various sustainable features such as solar PV, air source heat pumps and a biodiverse green wall.  Whilst the hotel is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, it is predicted to meet BREEAM Outstanding mandatory requirements for both energy and water. No car parking spaces will be provided to further reduce carbon emissions and minimise local air quality impacts and to reflect York’s aspiration to become the UK’s first car-free city centre.”

Max Reeves, development director at York-based Helmsley Group, the commercial property syndication, development finance and property development company, said:

“Helmsley Group is excited about the opportunity to enhance an underutilised space and create a building of architectural and environmental high standards that will make a positive contribution to the surrounding area and wider city economy.

“The proposed hotel will have no onsite food or beverage facilities meaning all guests will spend their money at the fantastic variety of hospitality and leisure locations York has to offer, helping to support city centre businesses at a time when they need it most.”

Mr Reeves added:

“As an organisation we are passionate about doing what we can to help the environment and the positive sustainable impact of this development is of the most upmost importance to us. This scheme has been a long time in the design process, resulting in a building we feel suits its setting while remaining visually unobtrusive on this tucked away piece of derelict land.”

A decision on the planning application is expected to be made by City of York Council later this year.

4 January 2020