INTERNATIONAL migration will account for about three-quarters of York’s future population growth, a council report has revealed.

The report by consultants Arup calculates that the city’s total population will rise by 29,000 between 2012 and 2037 – with 22,700 of the increase caused by net international migration and only a 9,700 increase through “natural change.”

There will be a 5,700 reduction through net internal migration and a 2,500 increase through net cross border migration, according to the report, “York’s objectively assessed need for housing.”

It says Harrogate, just 20 miles from York, is expected to see a 7,400 reduction in population through international immigration and Ryedale is expected to see no change in numbers.

Independent councillor Mark Warters, who highlighted the figures, said they showed the Green Belt was under threat of development in York’s Local Plan purely to meet demand for housing from immigrants. “Brownfield sites would be sufficient to meet demand from the existing population,” he claimed.

Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Ayre said the figures “put a lie” to Labour assertions that new homes were needed for residents’ children.

“The plan to grow the city is achieved primarily through inward migration both from the UK and primarily outside,” he said.

Tory leader Chris Steward said: “The Labour council always says this is about providing homes for York’s naturally growing population but, rightly or wrongly, there is a lack of housing due in part to the high international migration the country has seen over recent years.” and all authorities have to build in provision for this in their plans.”

Green councillor Andy D’Agorne said: “It raises the question of how much growth do we want to see in the city and the economy, which drives inward migration.”

Martin Grainger, head of Planning and Environmental Management, said international migration figures were higher for cities, such as York, because migration was inherently economically driven and was shaped by the economic prospects of an area.

“Rural areas such as Ryedale and Hambleton have substantially lower international migration figures as they do not have the employment opportunities to which migrants are attracted,” he said.

“In addition, cities such as York and Cambridge attract significant numbers of foreign students to study.” at their excellent higher education facilities. York is currently home to around 20,000 higher education students.”

Labour council leader Dafydd Williams said he did not want to add to the officer’s comments.