Key decisions on the future of York's green belt are to be made with the help of city residents.

Consultation is expected to start early next year, when City of York Council will ask every resident for their opinion on choices being made in the ongoing Green Belt review.

The proposed consultation exercise would be in two stages. The first would raise public awareness of the issues, the second would assess opinions.

Relevant technical papers on the review would be made available for comment.

The Green Belt review aims to establish a boundary for an area of land encircling York which will ensure protection for the setting and character of the city for the next 20 to 25 years.

City of York Council has promised to take account of residents' concerns when setting up the boundary.

Issues include where to have land which can be used for development including housing and industry.

It is hoped that sites meeting requirements could be earmarked by April next year.

The Green Belt review was subject to a public inquiry following objections. The inquiry was stopped after the inspector declared the council needed to form a long-term plan, and will be reconvened after that is done.

Councillors will be told of its progress at a meeting today.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk