Liberal Democrat Councillors Urge Public to have their say on key Haxby Development

Liberal Democrat councillors for Haxby and Wigginton are urging residents to have their say on the proposed housing development to the north of Haxby after developers submitted new, significantly revised plans. 

The updated application increases the number of homes from 640 to up to 700 dwellings, reintroduces Gypsy and Traveller pitch provision, and now includes the potential for older persons’ accommodation. A new public consultation period is now underway, closing on 15 May 2025.

The amendments appear to be in response to concerns raised by the Council that the development, as it previously stood, was not policy compliant, and, reading between the lines of their correspondence, without changes would be recommended for refusal by council planners.

Despite these revisions, local councillors remain concerned about the growing scale of the development and the lack of investment in vital infrastructure needed to support it.

Cllr Andrew Hollyer, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Haxby and Wigginton, said:

“The developers have now proposed an even larger scheme, yet there’s still no sign of the infrastructure that’s needed to support it. We all recognise the need for more affordable housing but Haxby’s roads are already under pressure, and the shelving of key elements of the dualling of the York Outer Ring Road makes this concerning.”

Cllr Ian Cuthbertson added:

“It’s not just the roads, our local NHS services are already stretched. Many residents tell us they’re struggling to get GP appointments or access to an NHS dentist, and we’ve seen no guarantees that this development will come with the healthcare provision we desperately need.

“We’re encouraging all residents to look at these revised plans and make their voices heard. This is a major change for our area and the consequences will be long-lasting. Everyone’s input is vital before decisions are made.” 

Residents can view the full application (reference 23/00160/OUTM) and submit comments by visiting the City of York Council planning portal (https://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications) or emailing planning.comments@york.gov.uk before 15 May 2025.

A decision on the application is expected as early as June 2025.