PEOPLE in York have six weeks to have their say on a major development plan which should shape the city for years to come.

The Local Plan consultation begins today marking a significant progression for the plan which should set aside land for housing and business growth, but which has been marred by delays and revisions for years.

Cllr Andrew Waller, City of York’s interim deputy leader, said: “The plan is about far more than numbers of houses and sites for jobs.

"It shows how we will encourage developments to be good for the environment and for people – creating a pleasant, healthy city we can all enjoy.”

Homes in York will get a special edition of the Our City newsletter through the door in the next two weeks, explaining the plan and how people can have their say.

Council leader David Carr added: “The Local Plan will support our economic growth and shape how our city changes, so it is vital that we hear the views of people across York.

“We believe this plan strikes the right balance between finding the amount of land to provide homes and employment opportunities while protecting our greenbelt and the special character and setting of York.”

The plan allows for 867 new homes to be built a year.

This consultation lasts for six weeks and special public events are planned through September and October.

• Monday, October 2, 3pm-7.30pm at Strensall & Towthorpe Village Hall

• Wednesday, October 4, 3pm-7.30pm at Fulford Social Hall,

• Thursday, October 5, 3pm-7pm at Clifton Library

• Monday, October 9, 3pm-7.30pm at Tang Hall Library

• Wednesday, October 11, 3pm-7.3pm at West Offices, York city centre

• Monday, October 16, 3pm-7.30pm at Acomb Explore Library

• Tuesday, October 17, 3pm-7.30pm at York Sport, Heslington

• Wednesday, October 18, 3pm-7pm at Oaken Grove Community Centre, Haxby.

Information will also be given out at some ward committee meetings:

• Dringhouses and Woodthorpe, joint with Westfield, on Tuesday, September 26, 6.30pm -8pm at York and District Indoor Bowls Club, 302 Thanet Road

• Haxby and Wigginton on Tuesday, September 26, 5pm-7.30pm at Wigginton Recreational Hall

• Huntington and New Earswick on Tuesday, October 3, 6pm -8pm at Huntington Methodist Church.

The full version of the draft plan and comments forms are also available online at www.york.gov.uk/localplan, in all city libraries, and at the council’s West Offices reception.