Young views sought on new estate

4:31pm Friday 9th May 2008

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YOUNG people and community groups are to have their say on how to shape the 540-home Derwenthorpe estate in York this weekend.

A community forum, organised by the Derwenthorpe Partnership Advisory Committee (DPAC), will be held at Burnholme Community College tomorrow.

The event, which is open to all, aims to get people's ideas on what can be done to create an environment that brings out the best in young people.

The forum will start at 10am with refreshments and will finish at 12.30pm.

A participative approach - designed to get people together to share their ideas and pool their knowledge - will be used to discuss the needs of 11 to 18-year-olds who will live at Derwenthorpe or in its neighbouring communities.

The ideas and suggestions that come out of the event will be fed back to the DPAC for consideration and inclusion in the community action plan.

The DPAC, made up of representatives of the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT), City of York Council and members of the communities next to Derwenthorpe, advises the JRHT on decisions relating to the development.

Jacquie Dale, JRHT director of housing and community services, said: "We hope a good number of people will be willing to come along on Saturday. It will be a great opportunity for people to share what matters to them and for us to hear this.

"Future community forums will consider the needs of other groups of people, including older people and children, and issues such as community safety and the use of technology."

Derwenthorpe will be a development of on the east side of York, near Osbaldwick. It will be developed by JRHT in partnership with the council.

Major infrastructure works will begin on the site in the summer. The first 64 homes will be built in the "Osbaldwick village quarter".

The homes will comprise 15 for rent, ten for low-cost home ownership and 39 for private sale. The first affordable homes are expected to be completed in 2009.

Burnholme Community College is on Bad Bargain Lane and for help with transport and or care costs, phone Anne Richardson on 01904 615957.

People unable to attend tomorrow's meeting are invited to submit their comments, concerns and suggestions by email to information@jrht.org.uk