A draft development brief setting out the vision for a model, 21st century community at Osbaldwick in York is nearing completion, City of York Council's executive will be told on Friday (February 8).

Officers from the council's development and housing teams are recommending that they continue to work in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in order to develop a comprehensive master plan for the council-owned housing site, known as New Osbaldwick, to the east of the city

Before being adopted and helping to guide a planning application the development brief will be put out to public consultation.

A selection panel of councillors, JRF trustees and community representatives selected a design team in January 2000 in order to put forward a vision for the land which would fulfil a number of objectives.

Bill Woolley, the council's assistant director for transport, environment and development, said, "The overall aim is to create a sustainable community in environmental and economic terms. It should achieve pedestrian priority, integrated transport, energy efficiency in design and enriched ecology and wildlife in wide open spaces.

"The development should offer real housing choices for people from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds, offer personal security and discourage crime and anti-social behaviour."

A range of new community facilities is being put forward as part of the vision, together with homes which are low energy, attractive and flexible in design terms.

A consultation panel of local residents and community interests has already been established to ensure that the new development is integrated into and benefits the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Mr Woolley said, "The panel has had a significant impact on discussions to date and will have an important role in representing the interests of local residents and those who will come to live in New Osbaldwick."

Once the development brief has been finalised following public consultation a formal planning application will be submitted - possibly during the summer. If the application is agreed by the council and secretary of state work on the new homes could begin early next year.

The council will require detailed traffic impact statements, noise and air quality statements, an archaeological assessment, an ecological survey of hedgerows, a full site investigation report, building and design code, landscape strategy, and education provision statement.

Negotiations on the relocation of pylons on the site are nearing completion while details of layout, access, open space provision and community facilities are being shaped by the consultation panel and the council's development team.

Lord Best, director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said, "We are delighted with the recommendation that City of York Council takes forward the partnership with us to create a new neighbourhood for the city.

"It is exactly 100 years since Joseph Rowntree bought the land and started building the homes at New Earswick in 1902: this major development proved to be a model for many others throughout the last century.

"We believe that at New Osbaldwick, in partnership with the city, we could create a model for the 21st century, providing high quality, affordable and sustainable homes in a healthy and happy new community".

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