The proposed development would include accommodation for up to 2500 in a managed building, new sports facilities and other associated development. Although the site is on green belt land, it is the only site large enough to meet the students' needs, the planning consultants said.
The developer consulted with the local community on the project last year. A number of issues have been addressed and the proposals have been tweaked to address concerns raised by local people, the developer said.
The proposed new sports centre and playing pitches will be open to the community, the developer said.
The proposed site is located on the green belt but it the student village provides the best solution to meeting the existing need for student accommodation in the City, said David Rolinson, chairman of Spawforths planning consultancy.
"We recognise that the site lies within the Green Belt, but we are satisfied that there are no other sites large enough or sustainably located to meet the student needs... special circumstances justify this proposal and we are confident that this is a unique proposal that does not set a Green Belt precedent," said Rolinson.
The Council will consult on the development proposals again, to give the public another opportunity to view and discuss the project. Following a review of the Council's consultation, it will aim to determine the application at committee in late spring 2012, the Council said.
The plans also include new footpaths to link the proposal to the proposed Countess Country Park. New tree planting, landscaping and ponds will be created for both recreational and ecological use.
