ONE hundred years ago, York families were moving into New Earswick. It was a short but momentous journey.
They left behind squalid city centre slums. Their new homes had three bedrooms, an oven, a garden and south-facing living rooms.
New Earswick was a brave new world.
A century later and the model village remains the most public legacy of Joseph Rowntree's practical philanthropy. But it may soon be joined by its modern equivalent: New Osbaldwick.
This grand design is the brainchild of the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust. Like its predecessor, New Osbaldwick aims to pioneer planning and housing policies fit for a new century.
There is much to commend the plans. York desperately needs more homes. Crucially, more than a third of those built here would be "affordable".
The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust is a local, charitable body driven by social ideals. It has run New Earswick for a century and plans a similar long-term commitment to its latest venture. This is no outside developer hungry for a quick buck.
The trust has designed into the village high building standards, traffic calming measures and open spaces. A substantial amount of money is available for community schemes. And local residents have had input into the evolution of New Osbaldwick through a consultative panel.
The new model village will bring clear benefits to York as a whole.
However, the trust must redouble its efforts to bring on board opponents to the plans, such as the 14 householders who are refusing to let their street be turned into a major access road.
People today are far readier to fight for their rights than in Joseph Rowntree's day. Their concerns range from traffic problems to the impact on local wildlife.
It would undermine the entire philosophy of community-based development if New Osbaldwick became embroiled in a bitter legal battle involving compulsory purchase orders.
Council leader Steve Galloway said in March that residents' concerns "have to be given substantial weight".
That remains true today.
Updated: 10:53 Tuesday, September 23, 2003
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