City of York Council held a meeting back in February where they approved of a draft Local Plan that could see 20,000 new homes built.

The Local Plan is a city wide scheme that assists with expansion control in York and sets out opportunities and policies for building.

York is set to build 20,000 homes by 2030 and 4000 of those houses will be classed as affordable.

During the meeting, on 27th February, Leader of the Council and Labour group Cllr Claire Douglas said: “This is a historic day in the development of our great city, bringing optimism and confidence that York will be developed in an appropriate and planned way over the lifetime of this local plan, increasing the housing, economic growth, green space and the infrastructure to support development that a city and it’s people so desperately need.”

It’s hoped this could solve the student housing crisis in York as, over the years, many students have expressed how competitive and expensive it is to find housing since there are more students than accommodations. Furthermore, some students resort to commuting as it is more affordable or they could not find an accommodation in York because of the shortage of student housing.

In addition, there are advantages for York residents as the plan aims to improve transportation routes, affordable housing and areas of employment due to retail expansion.

I asked a York student and a York resident what they think about the draft Local Plan.