University plan green belt extension

The proposed expansion of the University of York is of national importance, as well as creating about 4,500 jobs at a time when York's traditional industries are struggling.

If the expansion is blocked, the university will face "dire" consequences, with its ambitions curtailed and even existing departments running out of space by 2009.

That was the message from the university's counsel on the final day of a public inquiry into proposals for a 65-hectare extension of the campus onto Green Belt land east of York.

The scheme has been bitterly attacked by organisations such as Heslington Parish Council, but Frances Patterson QC, delivering the university's closing statement, said the development was of "national, regional and local significance" and represented the university's future.

She said the scheme would help the Government in its aim of encouraging more people into higher education.

"When that contribution can be made so as to widen access to all sectors of the population regardless of their social and economic standing, the true value of the proposal can properly be seen as of national importance. The development proposed will build social and community capital for future generations."

She said the expansion would also make a significant contribution to the local and regional economy, creating high quality jobs, retaining graduates in the area and building stronger links between employers and the education sector.

"Further, it provides the opportunity to provide those jobs in a growth employment sector at a time when the traditional industries of York are struggling."

She said the university accepted that such a development within the Green Belt was inappropriate, but the effects could be ameliorated through conditions and legal agreements, and special circumstances meant that planning permission should be granted.

She said a refusal of permission would have dire consequences. "The first option is that there will be no growth and the university will decline. There will be some 4,500 jobs foregone and a loss of significant capital investment in and income contribution to the region.

"Some 5,400 students will not benefit from a high quality education at the University of York. The national economy will suffer with a loss of business growth."

Another option would be to intensify use of the current site, but this would not meet the university's needs and nor would it be acceptable environmentally. A third option would be to have a split site university, but this would be neither sustainable nor viable.

Date: 2nd December 2006
Source: York Press