A YORK MP will today lead a Westminster debate on the future of the city’s green belt amid controversial plans for 22,000 new homes.

Many greenfield sites are earmarked for development by 2030 under City of York Council’s draft Local Plan, and York Outer MP Julian Sturdy will ask for a ministerial response after securing the half-hour debate, during which he will outline the present proposals for York.

He said: “I hope this debate will resonate not just with York residents, but in other cities across the country where green belts are considered vital.”

The council has said greenfield sites need to be looked at to ease demand for housing in York.