Local residents from Heslington village have voiced concerns over plans to build a new town close to the University.
A group of around 50 locals met at the Heslington Parish Church, located between the Heslington West and Heslington East campuses, to discuss the proposed ‘Whinthorpe’ development planned for alongside the A64.
This development was proposed by City of York Council as a plan to develop 450 acres of greenfield land, alongside Heslington East, into a new 5,500-home settlement.
The plans took a particular bashing from York Outer MP Julian Sturdy who claimed that local infrastructure including roads, drainage systems and schools in the Heslington area would be put under a huge strain.
Sturdy also claimed that residents of local towns including student areas such as Fulford would struggle as a result of the new town.
The new town would be larger than the University’s most local village, Heslington, although plans were not widely publicised, despite an eight week period in which complaints could be submitted.
Those who wish to submit questions and comments regarding the development are encouraged to do so by sending an email [email protected], or to make a call to the council’s planning department on 01904 552 255.