Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will publish a timetable for the inspector's inquiry into York's local plan.

The Local Plan remains at examination and the independent Inspectors play an important role in examining plans impartially to ensure that they are legally compliant and sound.

A detailed timetable of forthcoming hearings has been published on the City of York Council website. Phase 2 hearings are due to commence on 10 May and due to finish on 27 May. Dates for Phases 3 and 4 hearings have been agreed in principle with the Council and are due to commence on 11 July and 6 September respectively. The dates remain subject to change.

It remains important to ensure that progress on the York local plan is maintained and the Inspectors given the opportunity to issue their final report. The Government has set a deadline for all local planning authorities to have up-to-date local plans by the end of 2023. This will help deliver the certainty that local communities and businesses deserve.