Final stage in adopting York’s Local Plan

The Local Plan is set for its final stages in a significant and historic move towards the first plan the city has had in over 60 years.

Following a consultation on final modifications taking place in February and March, the final plan will be submitted to the inspectorate for approval.

The plan will provide a framework to guide development and protect the quality of the city’s unique historic, natural and built environment, determining how York develops over the next 15 years and beyond.

Once adopted, York’s Local Plan will:

• For the first time, create and protect a permanent green belt
• support the creation of 18,000 homes, including over 4,000 new affordable homes
• support new transport infrastructure investment
• create up to six new schools
• provide more opportunities for employment sites
• support the expansion of the University of York
• invest in brownfield sites
• provide the policies needed to reflect climate change ambition

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance, performance with responsibly for the Local Plan, said: “This is a significant milestone after years of work, as we enter the last stage towards adopting a Local Plan for York – the first for over 60 years. As we begin 2023, we want to build on the significant progress made and have the plan adopted this year.

“This is a robust and sound plan, which will ensure York is able to deliver the housing, jobs, growth and facilities our city needs, whilst also protecting the city’s unique character, green belt and natural beauty.

“I’d like to thank the inspectors for their work and feedback as well as all planning experts, officers and residents who have invested their time in developing and progressing the plan to this final stage. We will continue to work constructively with the inspectors to keep making progress and get this plan adopted for the benefit of our city’s future.”

A report will be taken to the Local Plan Working Group (LPWG) on Monday 16 January and then onto Executive on Thursday 26 January.

This will provide the latest position in the Local Plan examination process, feedback and modifications requested by the inspector. It asks councillors to recommend to Executive that the proposed modifications and associated evidence base is agreed and to move forward to the consultation stage and the Plan’s adoption.

The Local Plan sets strategic priorities for the whole city and forms the basis for planning decisions.

The LPWG and Executive reports include modifications to the plan following the hearings that took place last year.

If approved by Executive, the final Local Plan modifications will be consulted on in February and March, after which the final plans will be submitted to inspectors for approval and ultimately adopted by the city. More details on this will follow.

For more information visit www.york.gov.uk/LocalPlan