Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, has given his initial reaction to the Conservative-led Council’s new Local Plan draft for York.
Back in 2013 the previous Labour administration proposed 22,000 new houses around York, with an additional 11,900 on land ‘safeguarded’ for future development. Mr Sturdy fought strongly against these proposals which he felt were unsustainable, and held many public meetings around York Outer so that residents could have their voices heard.
The Council has announced that it plans to deliver 10,817 new houses up until 2037 after reviewing the Plan’s evidence base, with all land ‘safeguarded’ for development removed.
Commenting Mr Sturdy said, “I very much look forward to giving the Conservative-led Council’s revised Local Plan thorough scrutiny over the next few weeks. From preliminary reading I think the direction of travel is to be welcomed, and it is important that local communities are now able to have their say on the proposals in the consultation period.
“Whilst there will be concerns about some specific sites, the fact that overall housing figures have fallen from 22,000 to a much more sensible 10,800 under the Conservatives will be a relief to many York residents.
“I am looking forward to hearing what my constituents have to say about the changes to the Plan over the coming weeks.”