It's not too late for local residents to have their say on how the redevelopment of the southern part of the Nestlé Rowntree factory site could look and feel in the future.

City of York Council has produced a draft development brief for the Haxby Road site that will guide prospective developers on a wide range of issues. Residents are reminded that they have until 10 April to give their comments.

The draft development brief sets out a clear vision for the site, which covers an area of approximately 7.9 hectares -  40 per cent of the total Nestlé Rowntree site, and includes the original factory buildings.

The factory site has played a key role in providing employment in York and the draft brief specifies that any future development of the site should help to meet current and future demand for employment uses.

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 affordable housing for those 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. The brief 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, will be considered for conservation area status as part of the planning process. English Heritage, and other local and national organisations, has been consulted on the brief and will have the opportunity to consider whether any the of buildings merit listed status.

Copies of the document are available to view in all City of York Council libraries, on the councils' website (www.york.gov.uk) and in the reception of 9 St. Leonard’s Place. All comments must be received by 10 April.

The results of consultation will be reported to Planning Committee in the Summer.