University welcomes Council backing for Heslington East
Posted on 17 March 2005
The outline planning application for Heslington East, which will increase student numbers by 50 per cent, may now go to public inquiry.
The University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said that the City of York Council's decision was an endorsement of the significance of the University's Heslington East proposals to the city's development, both economically and environmentally.
The University is already one of York's largest employers, supporting 4,500 jobs in the region and contributing £140 million per year to the local economy. Heslington East is likely to create a further 2,000 jobs at the University and 2,500 related jobs as well as substantial further employment in the city.
The University is planning that the first students should move into the 70-hectare expansion, to the north-east of Heslington and next to the Grimston Bar roundabout, by September 2008. Despite the Council's Planning Committee's support, the timetable for the development remains tight, though the University has acknowledged from the outset that a public inquiry was likely to be ordered into the proposals.
Professor Cantor said: "York is one of the best universities in Britain and it needs to grow in order to maintain that position. The decision by the City of York Council planning committee is, therefore, extremely welcome and indicates the importance elected members attach to the continued vitality of the University.
"It is also an acknowledgement that the future prosperity of York is inextricably linked to the success of the University. We are convinced that Heslington East will be a focus for optimism for the city's future and for the region as a whole, bringing significant economic, environmental, recreational and cultural benefits."