York Local Plan hearings to restart next month

The latest draft local plan was submitted in May 2018

Author: Joe CooperPublished 1st Feb 2022

The next stage of York’s long-awaited Local Plan will be examined by government inspectors within a matter of weeks.

York’s draft Local Plan outlines where and what housing developments will be built in the city over the next 15 years and beyond. It will see an average of 822 new homes built per year across the city until 2033.

A hearing session is set to begin on March 15 at York Racecourse, with further hearings planned throughout spring and summer.

The proposals have been hit by repeated delays, with the Government intervening and warning the city council over its “persistent failures” to introduce a long-term vision for development.

The council resubmitted evidence about the greenbelt last year after inspectors raised concerns about “intrinsic flaws” in its proposals.

The latest draft local plan was submitted in May 2018, but the city has not has not formally adopted a Local Plan since the 1950s.

The Local Plan, housing and the green belt have long been politically sensitive topics in York, a city in the midst of a housing crisis.

Labour has accused the council of overseeing a “crumbling” Local Plan and failing to invest in the city’s planning department. Thier leader Pete Kilbane said in December that it was being “set up to fail”.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said:

“This has been an exceptionally challenging couple of years and I would like to thank the government inspectors and all those involved who’ve managed to progress this plan despite the difficult circumstances.

“We’re confident that this is a robust and sound plan, and look forward to the next stage of the hearings. Our draft plan ensures that York gets the housing and jobs our city needs, whilst also protecting York’s unique character, green belt and natural beauty. 

“It is incredibly important that we continue to build on the progress and work with the inspectors to take this plan forward to adoption.”

According to the council, the Local Plan could be adopted by the end of 2022 or early 2023 if inspectors find it to be sound.

Council leader Keith Aspden said: “The draft Local Plan is one of the most significant strategic documents for our city, as it will determine how York develops over the next 20 years.

“We have been working hard to progress York’s Local Plan which has enabled us to reach this important milestone. The final examination is the next step towards adopting a Local Plan for York.

“We remain determined to secure a Local Plan that delivers more homes and economic space, whilst protecting the unique character of our city.”

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