A High Court judge has cleared the way for businesses and residents to learn where jobs will be created and houses built in the Selby area for the next 13 years.

Mr Justice Ouseley rejected Samuel Smith Old Brewery of Tadcaster’s bid to stop Selby District Council’s Core Strategy Local Plan.

The document outlines council policy on promoting sustainable development, building affordable houses, supporting local town centres and local services and protecting the environment.

It will run until 2027 and be used by the council to decide where development will take place and which planning applications should be accepted. Council leader of Selby District Council Mark Crane said: “We welcome the judgement, given today which comprehensively dismisses the challenge brought by the brewery.

“It took a tremendous amount of work over a number of years to get the document prepared and adopted. It was disappointing to face this challenge brought by the brewery.

“The core strategy is a vital part of helping us to support new business growth and jobs, as well as giving people access to the housing they need.”

Samuel Smith Old Brewery declined to comment when contacted by The Press about the judgement.

It had opposed the council making the document official council policy at a hearing before the Planning Court of the High Court in July at which Mr Justice Duncan Ouseley reserved judgement.

The brewery claimed that the council had failed to complete legally necessary steps in constructing the definitive local plan and objected to certain parts of it.

But giving his judgement, the judge declared that the document did comply with the law.