Following reports in local media, Strensall ward Conservative Councillors Paul Doughty and Helen Douglas have moved quickly to dismiss as "foolhardy", potential proposals by developer representatives to build 1,753 homes close to the A1237/A64 near to Earswick and Huntington.
Councillor Paul Doughty said, "My ward colleague and I have sought swift assurance from the Council that these foolhardy proposals will not be included in the Local Plan and we condemn attempts by agents to slip this in to the Local Plan at the eleventh hour. Gratefully, the Council Leader, Cllr Carr has confirmed these plans are not included in the Draft Local Plan.
He continues, "Our MP Julian Sturdy, I and too many Villager's to mention did not fight tooth and nail to squash previous plans for 2,000 homes at Earswick to stand by and watch another greenbelt grab adjacent potentially included. We are likely to have in excess of 600 future homes on the Queen Elizabeth II Barracks site when the MoD leave and coupled with already likely known future Local Plan development proposals at Huntington and Monks Cross, the point has been reached where we have to say enough is enough for our local communities at this side of York. The pressure on local services and infrastructure, particular our road network simply cannot cope."
York Outer MP, Julian Sturdy added,"I fully agree with comments from our Strensall Conservative Councillors. I will be raising this as an urgent item to give strong representation against any possible inclusion when I meet with City Council Officials on Friday but it is reassuring to hear confirmation that it is not included in the draft Local Plan."