Progress promised by council over controversial housing plan

York Council has been unable to agree a local plan setting out where homes and businesses should be built in the coming years.

The former Labour administration published plans three years ago forecasting 22,000 homes would be needed in the city over the next 15 years.

But the proposals prompted a public outcry and were partly blamed for Labour losing control of the city at last year’s local elections.

In a joint statement, council leader Chris Steward and deputy leader Keith Aspden said documents to be published ahead of meetings next month would show how progress has been made.

They said: “The reports will highlight how we’ve made changes to ensure an evidence based plan is taken through to adoption.

“This includes building much needed new homes, but within achievable and viable targets, ensuring we can provide for business needs to help grow the economy and kick-start even more key developments.

“All of this will be made possible whilst ensuring we protect the character of our city, minimise the impact on York’s green belt and maximise the use of brownfield land.”

Councils without local plans have been warned that they increase the chance of developers winning appeals against any refusal for planning permission to build new homes.

The Government has warned councils such as York that if they do not have local plans that include credible proposals for housing in place by early next year then ministers will take over the process.

The development of local plans has proved controversial across the region as councils review how green belt and greenfield should be used.