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.”
Harrogate choir named national finalists for third consecutive year
Chairman admits 'deep disappointment' but urges faith in Harrogate Town
Winter Olympics: Harrogate man captains Trinidad and Tobago bobsleigh team
Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White visits Harrogate restaurant
Reasons behind the inevitability of above-inflation council tax rise at North Yorkshire Council
Harrogate named among world's most welcoming places
Police search for Ripon glasses thief
Harrogate bus firm celebrates one year since launch of all-electric fleet
Community invited to give feedback on plans for new homes in Scotton
Tributes paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires
Ripon's festive tractor run raises £7,000 for charity
Almost 300 Harrogate NHS patients faced two-month wait for cancer treatment last year
Gaming festival returns to Harrogate for third year
Record number of Ripon pupils receive Oxbridge offers
Where are the best places for afternoon tea in Harrogate?
Which venues have signed up for Harrogate Restaurant Week?
Harrogate powerlifter selected to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games
Pannal girls' teams enjoy special matchday experience at Manchester City
PR skills in high demand as Harrogate small business event sells out
Inspirational Ripon woman nominated for Yorkshire Choice Award following fundraising feat
