ONE of the potential new sites for housing in York’s Local Plan has previously been rejected for development, a local councillor has claimed.

Nigel Ayre, who represents Heworth Without, said green belt land off Stockton Lane, between Christ Church and Pasture Lane, was considered unsuitable for new homes in the past because of a lack of infrastructure in the area. He said residents will be worried that no details about how much housing could be built there have been confirmed.

“This is green belt land and development is totally inappropriate - the site was previously rejected for sound reasons and the council should abide by those,” he said.

“Traffic on Stockton Lane is already a major issue for local residents. Extra development will make things worse.

Coun Ayre said any Stockton Lane scheme, combined with a potential development on Metcalfe Lane, could almost double the amount of housing in the area, saying: “The impact this would have on local infrastructure would be massive.”