More health care jobs and 20,000 new homes coming to York, Local Plan inquiry hears

More health and social care jobs are expected to be created in York in the next few years.

That was one of the disclosures on the opening day of the Local Plan inquiry at York Racecourse on Tuesday (11 December).

York hasn’t had a Local Plan, guiding the size and location of future developments across the city since 1956.

The new draft plan is now subject to a public examination by the planning inspectorate.

The plan allows for more than 20,000 new homes to be built in York during the next 20 years – including up to 4,000 more affordable homes – the meeting heard.

It also says between 610 and 650 new jobs are expected to be created in the city every year.

‘Everyone should be proud’

Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance, welcomed the start of the hearing, saying this is the furthest stage the Local Plan has reached since 1999. He said:

• This will be used as a key mechanism by the council, ensuring our city develops sustainably in the light of the climate emergency.

  Everyone should be proud that the plan is to be considered by the planning inspectorate.

  The Local Plan robustly meets the city’s needs.

  It will enable us to build the homes that York needs, all while maintaining the historic character of the city.

  It prioritises development on brownfield land and will create Green Belt boundaries for the city – something that has never been done before.

Most sustainable

The meeting heard there are expected to be more health and social care jobs created in York in coming years.

Barrister David Elvin, speaking on behalf of the council, told the planning inspectors: “The selected sites are considered the most sustainable, causing as little harm as possible to the Green Belt.”

Members of the public – including residents, developers and representatives from community groups – have also registered to speak at the examination.

Planning inspector Simon Berkeley said the first phase of the hearings are expected to last until December 18.

He will then decide if the hearings can move into phase two – the discussion of individual sites earmarked in the draft plan.