PLANS for a new model village on York's outskirts have come a step nearer to reality.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and City of York Council have joined forces to build "New Osbaldwick".

A draft development brief for the site has now been approved by local councillors for the site at Osbaldwick.

It will be used as a basis for consultation with all relevant parties, and also by any prospective developer as formal guidance in finalising a master plan for the site.

Before the brief was unanimously approved, Liberal Democrat Leader Steve Galloway said: "There are a lot of residents close to the site and their concerns have to be given substantial weight."

When fully developed, the village will accommodate approximately 1,250 people, and appropriate community facilities must be provided, says the brief.

It also warns that part of the site is on the Environment Agency's indicative flood plain, meaning that a flood could occur once over a period of 100 years. Therefore, a flood risk assessment must be carried out.

In the document, it is suggested that there should be a minimum of 35 per cent affordable housing, and the development should be sustainable with waste minimised and energy efficiency maximised. The affordable housing should be "pepper potted" throughout the site.

Updated: 11:34 Friday, March 29, 2002