RESIDENTS in the Selby district are being encouraged to share their views on where development should take place in the area over the next 10 years.

Selby District Council has launched a 'Pool of Sites' consultation over possible sites for development, known as allocations, to meet Selby’s need for homes, jobs and shops in the future.

The council has a large number of possible sites from which to choose and is asking local residents to help it pick the right ones in the latest stage of a long-term planning process that involves the local community in planning decisions and helps other organisations decide where they need to invest in services and infrastructure.

Feedback from the consultation will be taken into account when the council produces its Selby District Site Allocations Local Plan.

Cllr John Mackman, lead councillor for place shaping with the council, said: "We’re setting out a list and maps of all possible development sites and are seeking your views on which sites should be finally allocated for development next year.

"It’s important to remember that not all sites put forward will be required or suitable for development, and that’s why it’s important that residents and businesses get involved in this consultation.”

Detailed information will be available on the council’s website and drop-in events will take place across the district, where officers will be on hand to explain the process and answer questions.

On August 26, The Press reported that a major development that could have delivered hundreds of new homes and jobs for the Selby district is off the cards for at least five years.

The 92 hectare former BOCM Pauls site on Barlby Road, Selby, has lain empty and derelict for years, but a redevelopment scheme known as Olympia Park was to have transformed the site with more than 800 new homes and create scores of new jobs.

The consultation events will look at the other sites put forward for development, and will also take the information out to Community Engagement Forum meetings throughout October. Key documents will also be available to read at libraries and council contact centres, and the consultation will run until November 27.

Cllr Mackman said: "Proposals for development in our district will affect the places where you live and work. We want you to get involved and give us your views on the possible sites for development."

Views, concerns or suggestions can be submitted to the council at selby.gov.uk/selby-district-site-allocations-local-plan-consultation-comments-form