THE plans for a new model village on York's outskirts are set to come a step nearer to reality next week.

A draft development brief has been published for the site at Osbaldwick where the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and City of York Council jointly hope to build "New Osbaldwick".

It 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.

It says that therefore a flood risk assessment must be carried out.

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

City of York Council's Planning Committee is being asked on Thursday to approve the 55-page document as a basis for consultation with all relevant parties.

The brief would be used by any prospective developer as formal guidance in finalising a master plan for the site. An outline planning application is likely to be submitted later this year.

Bill Woolley, assistant director development and transport, says the document aims to set out an overall vision, providing a choice of housing within a quality environment. Sections within the brief cover issues such as design and layout, public transport, highways and open space.

He said the development of the site should be co-ordinated to maximise benefits for the existing and emerging community.

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.

It says an agreement is being pursued with Northern Electric for overhead electric cables any pylons to be sent underground or removed.

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, March 23, 2002