SIGNIFICANT changes are proposed to York's planning policy and a seminar on Monday (22 July), will allow key organisations from the across the city to debate crucial planning issues, prior to City of York Council undertaking a city-wide consultation.

Included on the agenda for the seminar will be the council's policy on: the number of affordable homes being provided on housing development sites the amount of recreational open space provided as part of new development sites the location of student housing city centre car parks and other transport issues a land use vision for the city

The seminar will be used to gather the views of a wide range of organisations and interest groups and is being held prior to a special meeting of the council's Green Belt Working Group and Planning Committee, on 28 August, 2002.

Among those invited to take part in the seminar are representatives from: parish councils and ward committees local businesses and the visitor and retail sectors housing providers and interest groups, such as Shelter universities and student unions transport providers and user representatives, such as the Bus Quality Partnership and CCTC

Bill Woolley, assistant director of development and transport said: "The seminar will focus on some of the most important issues facing York such as the providing homes that people want to live in and can afford to buy and how we can reduce congestion on our roads. "These are issues that we know have a real impact on the lives of residents and we want to hear representative views from across the city before finalising our policies"

The Green Belt Working Group and Planning Committee meeting will make recommendations to the Full Council at a meeting on the 17 September, 2002 when the revised Local Development Plan will be debated.

The revised plan includes the proposed green belt development sites and formal public consultation will take place on its content this October and November. END Further information: Alasdair Morrison, head of development and regeneration, on (01904) 551313.

Notes to editors: The planning seminar is being held at Merchant Taylor's Hall, Aldwark, on Monday, 22 July, between 10am to 4pm.

Reporters are invited to intend a special briefing session before the meeting at 9am when Councillor Dave Merrett, Leader of City of York Council will be available for interview along with other councillors.

A set of background papers for each of the seminar topics will be available at the briefing session and can faxed in advance by calling the press office on (01904) 551068.

All councils have to produce a Local Development Plan that is then used to determine planning applications. Under new City of York Council's constitution, only Full Council is allowed to make formal changes to the Local Development Plan