More Government delay on major planning application decision

Councillors have hit out at the latest Government delay on Barratt’s planning appeal to build 300 houses next to New Lane – site designated as green belt in the new Local Plan.

This is yet another delay for a decision that was originally set to be made by September 2022, according to the Planning Inspector’s June report on the Barratt’s planning appeal. The decision was then delayed twice more – first until December and then February. Now Government Minister Michael Gove has once again postponed making a decision – in a letter sent earlier in February confirming that a decision is expected to be announced on or before the April 7th.

The site has been designated as Green Belt in the Local Plan – with Government inspectors not challenging this designation through the Local Plan adoption process.

Local Lib Dem Councillors attended the Public Enquiry last year and spoke in opposition to the application. The main argument by the Barratt barrister was that the land had been put in the Draft Local Plan in 2014 by the last Council Labour administration, so it was therefore acceptable for it to be developed. At the Planning Committee Labour Councillors voted in favour of the application whilst local councillors spoke in opposition to the application.

Councillors have hit out at the uncertainty the delay is causing the local community, particularly residents living close to New Lane and Jockey Lane.

Local Lib Dem Councillor for Huntington and New Earswick Keith Orrell commented:

“This latest delay is causing unnecessary concern to the local community. It’s absolutely clear that there is no local support for the development of this green belt land. Every Survey we have done over many years has shown that over 80% of residents do not support this development. The Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan, supported by 87% of those voting, did not include this land for housing. Significant concerns have also been raised about insufficient infrastructure for such a development, such as roads and GP surgeries, in the area.

“The Planning Inspector for the Local Plan has accepted that this land should be kept in the Green Belt. Barratt’s are simply trying to exploit the Local Plan process, which we hope the Secretary of State will see through and deliver a decision soon.

“The city absolutely needs more homes, but these must be built in the right locations with the right infrastructure to support the community. The Local Plan, that is about to be adopted for the first time in 60 years, has a clear and comprehensive plan to deliver the homes that York needs whilst protecting the quality of the city’s unique historic, natural, and built environment.”