ONE of York’s MPs has called on residents in the city and nearby villages to air their views on how green belt land is protected for the future as a Government report on the issue is prepared.

Julian Sturdy, who represents York Outer, is a vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Green Belt which is writing the report and consulting across the UK.

He has criticised plans by City of York Council to build thousands of homes on greenfield land as part of its draft Local Plan, which maps out how York could be developed up to 2030. Mr Sturdy also says travellers’ sites and wind farms on green belt sites will damage York.

He said: “There has never been a more important time for Parliament to act to protect our green belts and I am sure residents in York and the surrounding communities will be keen to share their experiences with the group and highlight concerns.”

Responses and comments should be emails to appggreenbelt@gmail.com or posted to APPG Greenbelt, Room 20, Norman Shaw North, House of Commons SW1A 0AA, by January 31, and they can also be sent directly to Mr Sturdy.