Local residents will be able to have their say on how the redevelopment of the southern part of the Nestle Rowntree factory site could look and feel, if councillors agree to proposals later this month (24 January).

City of York Council's city development team has unveiled a draft planning brief for the Haxby Road site which, if agreed, will guide prospective developers on what the site could include.

Nestle Rowntree announced the loss of over 600 jobs from their 2,400 strong workforce at the Haxby Road site last year. In order to remain in York, a massive capital investment is needed in order to upgrade and improve facilities on the more modern northern part of the site, allowing redevelopment opportunities on the older, southern part of the site closest to the city centre.

The draft planning brief covers an area of approximately 40 per cent of the total site (7.9 hectares) and includes the original factory buildings.

The brief sets out a clear vision for the site:

"To create a new, inclusive live/work community and cultural hub well integrated with surrounding areas. It should accommodate a mix of uses and follow best practice guidance in order to achieve high standards of design, public space and sustainability. High quality urban design and safe and attractive pedestrian/cycle routes through and around the area will help to create a sense of place, and low car use principles must be embraced."

The factory site has played a key role in providing employment in York and the city development team has suggested that this should continue. The draft brief specifies that any future development of the site should help to meet current and future demand for employment uses that are central to the long-term success of York's economy.

The site could be used for a wide range of employment uses, including creative and digital industries, manufacturing, artists' workplaces, live/work units and accommodation for start-up companies.

As part of the overall redevelopment there will also be opportunities to provide housing for families and single households, including those living locally who are currently in unsuitable accommodation and who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market.

Although there are no listed buildings on the site, the brief suggests that any future redevelopment should respect the character and setting of the site. It highlights the need for any development to be of the highest quality and respect the important views of the main office building and entrance off Haxby Road. The area along Haxby Road, including the Nuffield Hospital and Rowntrees Theatre on the opposite side of the road, will be considered for conservation areas status as part of the planning process.

If members agree to the proposals, local residents will be asked for their views on the proposals throughout February and March.