Julian welcomes Government cash boost to crack down on illegal developments in York Green Belt
September 13, 2019
- City of York Council to receive £44.5k to crackdown on illegal development
- The move is part of the Government’s drive to protect the Green Belt
York is set to benefit from a share of nearly £2 million to crack down on illegal developments on the local green belt, Housing Minister Rt Hon Esther McVey MP has announced.
Councils will be able to use the new money to deal with illegal developments such as unauthorised traveller encampments and illegal carparks. The local authority can do this by hiring more enforcement officers, introducing the latest technology and bringing rogue developers to book for their illegal developments.
Speaking at the annual RESI Convention in Newport on 12 September, the Housing Minister announced that 37 councils, including York Council would be receiving a total of up to £50,000 each to help with the clampdown.
The Housing Minister Rt Hon Esther McVey MP said:
“Conservatives know that once the Green Belt is built on it’s often gone for good that’s why only we can be trusted to protect it. The public in York have told us loud and clear they want it kept for future generations to enjoy.
“The funding announced today will help councils like City of York Council to be vigilant against rogue developers, giving the areas with the highest levels of Green Belt the funds needed to throw the book at those who build illegally.”
Responding to the announcement, Julian said:
“I very much welcome the Government’s commitment to maintaining the legal protections for the Green Belt and I was reassured by today’s announcement that this is being backed up by increased funding for planning enforcement
I hope that York Council will put this extra cash to good use to ensure that all prospective developers fully respect the law and maintain the green spaces that benefit everyone living in the city.”
