IN RESPONSE to recent letters, York’s draft local plan includes housing targets for every major brownfield site in the city.

York Central is the only major brownfield site not fully allocated, because we can only partly demonstrate its viability – a key requirement of the new planning framework and a key reason for withdrawing the Liberal Democrat-devised core strategy.

But even with all of York Central, brownfield sites alone fall short of the housing land York needs so we had to identify additional sites. Though unseen by many, in York we have a housing crisis – we already have the highest rent levels in the north of England without the wages to match. Owner occupation and private renting is already out of reach for many working people.

Liberal Democrats and Conservatives are burying their heads and pretending brownfield sites will deliver what’s required, which simply isn’t true. The positive reaction we are getting shows the public understands the need to plan for future generations and not only protect the interests of existing residents in specific areas.

New sites proposed for housing avoid areas important to the historic character and setting of York; to nature conservation and green infrastructure, or where there are flood risk issues.

Key transport infrastructure needed over the plan’s lifetime is identified, including further expansion of the Park&Ride network, new railway stations, a major upgrade of the outer ring road; and strategic cycle and pedestrian network links and improvements.

Coun Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainability.