Residents will get the opportunity to have their say on one of the most important development areas in York, if councillors agree to proposals later this month (Tuesday 25 September).

Members of City of York Council's Executive will be asked to approve plans to consult residents, businesses and stakeholders in York on what they think  the York Northwest development should look and feel like and what type of development should be allowed.

The York Northwest area includes the site of the former British Sugar plant and the York Central development site. The area provides large brownfield development opportunities adjacent to the city centre and will be an important area for future employment and housing needs within the city. It is hoped that regeneration of the area will attract investment, generating quality jobs, and providing affordable housing.

Councillors will be asked to approve a series of consultation documents to go out to residents in November. The questions will be structured around key topic areas such as employment, housing, social infrastructure, transport, culture and tourism, open space and sporting facilities, and urban design. Key issues will be put forward for each topic area and residents will be asked to give their views on the ideas, opportunities and options listed.

The consultation will last for a ten week period starting at the beginning of November and finishing in mid January 2008. A number of exhibitions are being planned in addition to the postal consultation and workshops will be held for special interest groups.

The results of the consultation will be used to develop an Area Action Plan for the site, as part of the Local Development Framework, to guide developers plans for the area.