The newly established North Yorkshire Council has ambitiously pledged to finalise the North Yorkshire Local Plan by 2028. This comprehensive plan encompasses areas previously managed by borough and district councils, including Hambleton, Richmondshire, Craven, Harrogate, Selby, Ryedale, and Scarborough, laying out a strategic vision for their future development.
In a significant step forward, the North Yorkshire Council Executive sanctioned the proposed methodology and schedule for the local plan’s creation in February. This marks the beginning of an extensive series of projects aimed at defining land use policies and allocations to satisfy the region’s developmental needs, effectively guiding development activities over the forthcoming two decades. The plan aims to articulate a cohesive vision for North Yorkshire’s progression, addressing key aspects such as housing, environmental conservation, economic growth, community amenities, and infrastructure enhancement.
As part of this planning phase, the council has announced an imminent ‘call for sites’ period proposed for April, expected to last six to eight weeks. This initiative invites landowners and developers to nominate parcels of land for potential development, considering residential, commercial, and infrastructural projects, as well as environmental improvements. This early stage presents an optimal opportunity for submissions, with the council evaluating proposals based on a multitude of criteria including the sustainability of the site, landscape character impact, highway safety impact and the risk of flooding. Supported sites will be earmarked for future development once the plan is adopted, significantly bolstering their prospects for obtaining planning permission. As North Yorkshire navigates various challenges and opportunities, this new Local Plan offers a pivotal chance for stakeholders to influence the region’s trajectory, through the expansion of existing settlements. Meanwhile, sites previously designated in old local plans but either not developed or discounted at the time in favour of other sites are advised for resubmission, providing a fresh opportunity to highlight their developmental potential within this new framework. Landowners are encouraged to actively participate in this process, seizing the chance to shape North Yorkshire’s development for the next two decades.
At Lavingham Planning Consultants, we have the expertise in planning and development within North Yorkshire, and are ready to assist landowners in navigating this process and maximizing the opportunities presented by the new Local Plan. If you wish to discuss any opportunities for sites or any planning query, please get in touch online.
