A YORK councillor has said a snap poll over plans for a 1,800-home development on the edge of the city has revealed many local residents do not want to see it built.

Heworth Without councillor Nigel Ayre has also questioned whether an eight-week consultation will be enough time for residents to study City of York Council’s draft Local Plan and for views and arguments to be formed.

About 150 people attended a drop-in session at Heworth Without Community Centre on the draft local plan, which is currently out for public consultation and earmarks building 22,000 homes by 2030, many on green belt land.

The authority says this scale of housebuilding is needed to cater for population and economic growth and to drive down house prices.

One of the potential development sites is east of Metcalfe Lane, near the Derwenthorpe estate, in Osbaldwick.

Coun Ayre said a survey he carried out following the meeting revealed 71 of the 77 residents asked feared building 1,800 homes there would destroy the area’s character and 76 said local roads would not cope, while 74 favoured a 16,000-home target by 2030.

“The local response has been overwhelmingly against these proposals – this is green belt land and residents want it protected,” said Coun Ayre.

“They recognise the need for housing growth, but it is the scale of growth, use of the green belt and doubts over the Labour council’s ability to deliver the infrastructure and jobs which are sparking such opposition.”