York councillors to vote on the Local Plan, aiming to guide development until 2038 after years of delays.
The Local Plan outlines development aims until 2038. It decides greenbelt limits and informs planning decisions. The plan aims to build 20,000 homes. This includes a new garden village. It also earmarks sites for business growth.
The plan includes ways to handle climate change. New flood defenses are part of it. The first plan was submitted in 2018. A Conservative and Lib Dem group did this.
Now, Labour has accepted changes. These came from a government inspector. Council officers suggest approving it. Lib Dem Cllr Ayre wants councillors to support the plan. He worries about future reviews.
He says delays could hurt progress. People need certainty about housing locations. Alison Cooke said a quick review is not needed. The Local Plan needs a five-year review. This will align it with existing regulations.
Tory Cllr Steward said his party improved the plan. He added that future cooperation is crucial. This avoids long approval times for similar plans. It has taken too long at great cost.
Green spokesperson D’Agorne said transport is key. New routes must connect the city. Current transport plans are not ambitious enough. They need better modern solutions.
Labour’s Cllr Pavlovic said the plan will deliver confidence. It shows York has a vision. A new levy will fund infrastructure. This is vital for new developments. The plan shows York’s unique character.