THE impact of York housing developments on the city's schools is to be discussed by education chiefs, teachers and governors.

Members of the school organisation committee will meet next Thursday to look at a number of issues surrounding new developments and their effect on schools.

Members, who also include representatives from the church and the learning and skills councils, will hear three different speakers.

The director of environment and development services, Roy Templeman, will talk about the key developments in the city and the impact on schools.

Richard Wyborn, of Management Information Services, will look at the use of housing development information in projecting pupil numbers.

Senior assistant director of community services, Bill Hodson, will discuss the changing trends in housing across York and how they have implications on schools.

Mr Hodson said: "We did a survey on people's housing needs at the beginning of this year which tells us about the long-term needs. We use that information with housing associations and private developers.

"Whenever building a significant development we need to take into account future demands on schools.

"Developments might put pressures on schools and that needs to be an issue we take on.

"When talking about developments we talk about community impact not just on the roads, but health and education services."

Kevin Hall, assistant director of education at City of York Council, said there were no special concerns at the moment or immediate pressures on the LEA to provide places.

Coun Peter Vaughan, who represents Huntington, said schools and education provision in York was a key factor in helping people decide where they wish to live and attracting residents to an area.

He said: "If we want to get people into York the best way to do so is through our excellent reputation for education.

"But we have got to provide the capital needed to maintain our standards of excellence in schools, colleges and universities."

The meeting will take place at Burnholme Community College, Bad Bargain Lane, on Thursday, at 6pm.

Updated: 10:21 Friday, February 28, 2003