A YORK community could become the first in the city to produce its own guide for how the area should be developed in future.

Under the Localism Act, communities are invited to produce “neighbourhood plans” which are designed to influence future planning schemes and form part of future decisions.

City of York Council is now working with Dunnington Parish Council after it submitted an application for designation of a neighbourhood plan area.

The city council is asking for views on the idea to be sent in by September 16, with proposals considering the potential boundaries of the plan rather than specific details.

Dunnington is among the communities where concerns have been raised about plans for new travellers sites under York’s draft Local Plan.

Coun Dave Merrett, the city council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “We are supportive of Dunnington’s decision to submit this plan and want to help the parish council ensure their application is brought to the attention of people who live, work and carry on business in the area.”

Alf Deuchars, of the parish council, said a neighbourhood plan would set out “a vision and objectives” for the area’s future and ensure all views were taken into account.

More information is available at york.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning and by emailing neighbourhoodplanning@york.gov.uk, as well as Dunnington Library and on local noticeboards.