Sir Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, has urged the government to reconsider changes to the national planning policy which could see more than 4,200 homes built in North Yorkshire a year.
Although proposals are still in the consultation stages, Mr Smith said a mandate to significantly increase new homes would be “unsustainable” and “unrealistic” and may lead to infrastructure being unable to cope.
In a letter to housing secretary Angela Rayner, Sir Julian said North Yorkshire Council had recently surpassed its current housing target of 1,384 homes and is averaging around 2,800 new homes a year.
But Mr Smith believes if this figure were to rise then improvements to infrastructure would not be able to match the pace of growth.
He also suggested that there aren’t enough jobs in the county to support such an increase in residents.
Mr Smith wrote:
“I do not think that the capacity to deliver such a large increase is available, nor required, to ensure local need is met.”
North Yorkshire Council is in the early stages of formulating its local plan which will map out where housing can be built.
Earlier this year it invited landowners to submit sites that could be suitable for housebuilding.
It is likely to take several years before the plan is agreed and the previous local plans for the former borough councils remain active until then.
At the last meeting of Skipton and Ripon councillors earlier this month, councillors discussed housebuilding targets with Mr Smith and many spoke out against the proposed changes.
Cllr Nathan Hull (Conservative, Washburn and Birstwith) said:
“We have a massive rural housing problem, but I’m not convinced we need another 4,000 homes on top.”
Speaking in July, Angela Rayner said proposals to overhaul the planning system will make housing more affordable.
She said:
“Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them.”
Skipton charity lunchers raise more than £500
Skipton MP shares concerns to Government on 'Tourist Tax'
Skipton children’s charity raises over £5,000 with support from Land Rover Experience
Council has one of country's worst records on unreasonable planning decisions
New luxury lounge with adults-only area to open at Leeds Bradford Airport
New butterfly exhibition installed at Craven Arts House
Public meeting to be held to discuss issues at Skipton Bus Station
Skipton Tesco to provide donation bags to help local families over Easter
Craven College students appear on BBC's Countryfile
MP says 'enough is enough' and calls for safety at Skipton Bus Station
Council increases pest control fees - with moth infestations costing more than rat problems
North Yorkshire 'standing side by side' with Jewish community after London attack
New craft café to open in Skipton
Council puts Addingham development plot up for sale
15 year old arrested following assault at Skipton bus station
Mayor accused of "highways robbery" over pothole funding allocations
Charity Dragon Boat Race to return to Skipton this spring
North Yorkshire praised for diversity of visitor economy
One-man show filled with original writing and music is heading to Skipton Little Theatre
New members welcome for Craven Lawn Tennis Club 2026 season
