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 store where worker sold alcohol to child loses premises licence
Air Ambulance calls on schools to 'turn yellow' for Yorkshire
Skipton MP welcomes heating oil support for rural households
Skipton charity founder's MBE medal replaced after burglary
Police appeal following motorcycle theft in Skipton
Skipton BID delivers free training for newly installed 'Bleed Kits'
Skipton Gala announce Gala Queen and attendants
Skipton children's charity delighted to open 3rd respite home in Primrose Valley
Tribute cruise to raise money for Skipton Pride
Spellman Care support Airedale Hospital & Community Charity's Easter Appeal
Skipton MP heads to Westminster to talk challenges within hospitality sector
Skipton man jailed for 18 years for sexual offences against children
The Geek Side announces closure before 10th anniversary
Skipton Multisport Festival to be held this May
Local attractions to close as Met Office issues yellow weather warning for wind
17 year old arrested following high speed pursuit from Skipton
The Coniston Hotel to remain under family ownership
Airedale Hospital introduces new service for prostate cancer
Appletreewick pub shortlisted in Countryside Alliance ‘Rural Oscars’
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators
