Key plan for York’s green belt moves a step closer
The plan to protect York’s green belt and special character while providing the housing and employment the city needs will be considered by senior councillors over the next two weeks.
A report detailing responses to the latest public consultation on York’s draft Local Plan will go before the Local Plan Working Group next week (Wednesday 2 May) and the council’s Executive the week after (Tuesday 8 May).
If Executive approves the proposals, the full council will vote on 17 May on whether to submit it to the government. This would see the plan submitted to the government within the timescales agreed with the secretary of state for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
York needs a Local Plan to support the city’s economic growth and shape how the city changes over the next 15 years and beyond. The publication draft outlines areas of the city which can developed, as well as rules and principles which help achieve the vision of a ‘city with special qualities and distinctiveness that are recognised worldwide.’
Key features of the plan include:
- Provision for around 20,000 homes over the next 20 years, with around 4000 more homes delivered through affordable housing schemes
- Provision to create around 650 new jobs per annum
- Policies to protect and enhance York’s heritage culture and ensure that any new developments are of the highest standards
- Preserving York’s setting and character by banning inappropriate greenbelt development
- Protecting the environment, including stopping developments which are subject to flood risk and ensuring sustainable design
- Providing levels through reducing, reusing and recycling.
Councillor Ian Gillies, leader of City of York Council, said:
“We need a Local Plan to make sure that any development makes York an even better place to live.
“This Local Plan will provide the homes and job opportunities the city needs, while recognising and protecting our city’s distinct and special character.
“We’ve made great progress and are on track to submit this plan, on time, to the government.”
The plans have been shaped by residents’ views gained in two recent city-wide consultations, one in 2016 and again in 2017 after the Ministry of Defence’s announcement that large barracks sites would become available during the Local Plan’s 15 year lifespan.
The results of the latest consultation – which focussed on the criteria which the planning inspector will consider when examining the Local Plan – will be submitted directly to the government along with the plan. In total, the council has received over 32,000 comments on the Local Plan since 2013.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Executive Member for Economic Development, said:
“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part in these consultations. They will have helped to shape a plan which will determine the future of our city, encourage the right kind of development and make sure York remains the best place to live in the UK.
“The Local Plan is one of the most significant strategic documents for the City of York, as it will determine how York develops over the next 15 years.
“We believe that this is the right plan for York, and one that promotes a balanced approach. This includes sustainable developments, the need for better transport links, the city’s cultural offer and much more. It is absolutely essential that we deliver a plan that addresses the local pressures in our housing market, but at the same time, guarantees the protection of the greenbelt and York’s natural beauty through the regeneration of Brownfield sites.”
Executive takes place on Tuesday 8 May from 5.30pm and is open to members of the public or is available to watch live online from: www.york.gov.uk/webcasts
Shared by: City of York Council
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