The next stage in City of York Council's green belt review begins today with a city-wide consultation on the proposals for future development. A leaflet will be delivered to every home in the city, over the next two weeks, with the summer edition of the council's newspaper, AboutYork.

The leaflet contains information on the proposals, along with a map outlining the sites being considered. Residents are being asked for their views on the proposals, using the replay paid envelope. Maps of specific sites and the full revised draft Local Plan will also be made available by the end of July in libraries across the city and at council offices at 9 St Leornard's Place.

In May 2001, residents gave their broad views on how York should develop through a city-wide consultation and the results of that consultation have been used to draw up proposals outlining where future homes and jobs could be created to help establish York's green belt.

Councillor Dave Merrett, executive member for planning and transport, said, "We have already undertaken significant consultation with residents and businesses on the establishment of York's green belt and this is the next stage in that commitment to listen to people's views. Residents want us to achieve a balance between creating housing and jobs but not at the expense of the city's heritage.

"We have carefully selected sites for proposed developments, to ensure that as much development as possible takes place on previously developed land and there are significant amounts of landscaping and public space incorporated in any development of new sites. Now we want to find out what residents think of these proposals."

York has had a draft green belt for 40 years, but its exact boundaries have never been formally agreed. The green belt review began in 2000 with the aim of setting boundaries for at least the next 20 years as part of wider work to map out future land use in the city. Some 80 per cent of the City of York Council area is currently green belt and the proposals suggest that two per cent of this land is used to provide housing and employment.

Residents have until the end of September to provide their comments, which can be registered as part of the Local Plan Inquiry. Further leaflets are available from council offices or by contacting the Development and Regeneration team on 01904 551466 or by email on devandregen@york.gov.uk.

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