COUNCIL bosses have submitted York’s Local Plan to government inspectors with just days to spare before a crucial deadline.

The authority confirmed late on this afternoon that it had submitted documents to the Communities Secretary - just three working days before a key deadline set by the government for May 31.

The plan will now be reviewed by a planning inspector, and if approved will set out clear rules on what can get built, and where, in York over the next 15 years.

The city has been without a formal plan since the 1950s, and had been warned if it did not finish and submit its draft by May 31 civil servants would step in to draw up policies for York.

Council leader Cllr Ian Gillies said:

“This is a great achievement for our city. We were fully committed to submitting our Local Plan to the government for inspection in May. We are pleased that this deadline was met and that we remain on target to securing a plan that will ensure that any development makes York an even better place to live.”

He said the locally shaped plan would support the economy and provide growth, but would limit “the type of developments no-one in the city wants to see.”

Cllr Keith Aspden, at City of York’s executive member for economic development, added:

“Today marks a major milestone for York. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped to shape the Local Plan including residents, businesses and other important groups.

Updates on progress will go on the council website at

www.york.gov.uk/localplansubmission