York Council Refuses 380-Home Garden Village Plans

Plans by developer Taylor Wimpey to build up to 380 homes as part of a new garden village in York were rejected by the City of York Council due to concerns over poor planning quality and failure to meet garden village principles. The site, covering the northern part of a larger development earmarked for around 845 properties, included proposals for community facilities, play areas, and access roads, but was criticized for inadequate infrastructure planning, lack of services, and poor consultation. Council planning officers highlighted conflicts with more than half of the relevant policies in York's 2025 Local Plan, noting the absence of a holistic, strategic vision for the development. Objections were raised over increased traffic congestion, flooding risks, and insufficient safe cycling routes, with input from National Highways and local councillors emphasizing these issues. Taylor Wimpey’s agent expressed surprise at the refusal and requested more time to address the concerns, but councillors, including the committee chair, emphasized the poor quality and evidence base of the application. The rejection reflects broader challenges in balancing housing development needs with sustainable, community-focused planning in York.