We're developing a new Local Plan in line with the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012), which will eventually replace the current Local Plan approved for development management purposes in 2005.
Our new Local Plan is currently in the process of Examination by Independent Planning Inspectors following Submission of the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 25 May 2018.
Following instruction from our Inspectors, we also held a consultation on our Proposed Modifications to the Local Plan between 10 June and 22 July 2019.
An update on progress of the Local Plan Examination was given to Local Plan Working Group on 20 October 2020 (item 10). You can keep up-to-date with overall progress via our dedicated webpage for Examination by Independent Planning Inspectors.
The need for a new Local Plan
In 2005, the current Local Plan was approved for development management purposes. Although not 'formally adopted', this is the document we use as the basis for our development control decisions. It provides a framework to guide and promote development, and to protect the quality of York's unique historic, natural and built environment. The document set strategic priorities for the whole city and forms the basis for planning decisions; it must be reviewed at regular intervals to be kept up to date.
We're currently working towards the new Local Plan being fully compliant with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other relevant regulations. If we don't adopt an up to date Local Plan, development will still happen, but decisions will be taken in regard to the NPPF, without local people having a say on setting local policies. See our Local Plan frequently asked questions for further information.
Once 'adopted', the new Local Plan will determine how the city develops over the next 15 years and beyond.
Find out about:
- progress on the new Local Plan prior to Submission - including stages of document preparation, correspondence with government and links to relevant meetings
- previous consultations on the new Local Plan - including responses made to date
- Core documents and evidence base library, which was submitted alongside the Local Plan for examination. This includes evidence relating to housing, economy and retail, transport and communications, green Infrastructure, heritage, culture and place-making, climate change, environmental quality and flood risk and viability/deliverability
- Development Plan Monitoring - including our latest housing monitoring updates
Statement of Community Involvement - Covid 19 Update
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) was adopted in December 2007. It sets out how we'll involve you in the preparation of all Development Plan documents, including the Local Plan and in making decisions on planning applications.
Due to the current pandemic, the Government has updated National Planning Policy Guidance to ensure that SCIs can be updated to ensure planning consultations can still take place in line with the current heath advice.
We have updated our Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) to include the temporary suspension of some consultation methods to ensure that consultation can proceed in line with the changes to the NPPG and health advice. This was agreed by Executive on 22 October 2020 for a period of 6 months, after which the measures will be reviewed in line with prevailing health advice.
The consultation arrangements in place at the time of any future consultation will be made clear on the Council’s website. Should this be subject to change during the consultation period, the details will be updated, as applicable, in line with the current health guidelines.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
The CIL is a tool for local authorities in England and Wales to help deliver infrastructure to support the development of the area. We are yet to make a decision on whether to introduce a charging schedule to implement a CIL. Consideration for the implementation of a CIL will be undertaken in due course.