Our client, the PJ Livesey Group has been granted planning approval to create 120 homes on their site off Heslington Road, York known as The Retreat. The plans will see the 18th century former specialist mental health care facility, which closed in 2018, converted and new homes built in the grounds. The homes will be surrounded by stunning grounds including a Peace and Tranquillity Garden, orchard and Tennis Court. Previously closed off to the public, the historic park and gardens will be restored and opened up for local people to enjoy.

Randall Thorp worked closely with the client team and Historic England to ensure the listed gardens would be restored in a way that would continue to make them relevant to the families that will call them home.

Tom Frater, Regional Director for Historic England in the North East and Yorkshire, said:

“We’re really pleased that the Council has approved this scheme."

"PJ Livesey Group’s plans for the Retreat show heritage helping to address the housing crisis, whilst also protecting York’s precious character and making its beautiful grounds, which integrated access to landscape into the treatment of mental health, accessible to local people and visitors.”