Julian meets Minister on future on Strensall Barracks site
March 22, 2018
On Wednesday Julian met with Minister Tobias Ellwood and officials at the Ministry of Defence in London for an update on plans for the closure and sale of Queen Elizabeth Barracks and Towthorpe Lines in Strensall.
Julian emphasised the importance of engagement and communication with the affected local community. He also stressed that the potential impact on existing residents and local infrastructure of any new housing on the site had to be kept in mind.
The MOD has indicated that they will be seeking planning permission for the site in order to increase the financial return for the taxpayer when the site is sold, and undertook to provide Mr Sturdy with written clarification of several points that were discussed.
After the meeting in Whitehall, Julian said “I thought it was important to speak to Tobias Ellwood and his officials to get an update on the progress of these plans for the benefit of local residents.
I have been keeping a careful watch on proposals for the future of this important site as part of City of York Council’s Local Plan for housing. Any future development at the Barracks must respect the views of residents and reflect the capacity of local infrastructure.
I will continue to press the government on opportunities to retain civilian support jobs in York after this site closes. I am cooperating closely with our Council and the Ministry of Defence on this issue on an ongoing basis”.
