A YORK councillor has quit her party after saying the city's Local Plan development blueprint could leave her facing a “conflict of interest”.

Coun Sian Wiseman, who represents Strensall for City of York Council’s Conservative group, said she handed her resignation to the party’s local association last night because land held by her husband’s family has been earmarked for possible development under the plan.

In a statement, she said it was an “incredibly difficult decision” and the land had been in her husband’s family for generations. She will continue as an independent councillor until the next local elections.

Coun Wiseman said: “I was conscious inferences could be drawn in regards to this land which could be potentially harmful to the council’s Conservative group and our York Outer MP [Julian Sturdy].

“There was a risk our group would appear hypocritical were we to oppose building on green-belt land while my family stood to benefit, regardless of the chances of this land ever actually being built upon.

“I believe the need for the people of York to be able to have a full and frank discussion about plans for the city’s future is more important than the dialogue becoming sidetracked by a party political argument over one councillor’s personal situation.

“I hope that, by resigning from my party before consultation on the Local Plan has begun, everybody will be able to go forward and debate the plan on its merits.”