Residents are being invited to have their say on a new planning blueprint that will help determine where homes and other developments can be built across North Yorkshire over the next 15 to 20 years.

North Yorkshire Council is preparing a new local plan to set out its long-term vision for development across the county. 

The document will guide future growth, including where new housing could be built and how local planning priorities should be addressed.

The plan is not expected to be adopted until October 26, 2029 — exactly three years from today. 

Until it is in place, the council faces greater challenges in resisting some development proposals, raising concerns that the county could see an increase in speculative housing applications.

The council announced today (October 26) that it had launched a consultation on the scope of the proposed local plan, marking the first formal stage in its preparation. The consultation runs until November 27, 2026.

Residents and other interested parties are being asked to comment on a range of issues, including:

• The proposed scope of the local plan.

• Key priorities to shape its long-term vision.

• Local issues and how the plan could help address them.

• Options for delivering future growth across the plan area.

• The evidence needed to support the plan.

Engagement

Alongside the scoping consultation, the council has launched a separate consultation on its draft engagement strategy. This seeks feedback on how residents, communities and other stakeholders should be involved in developing the local plan.

Comments on the draft engagement strategy are invited from October 26 until midnight on Monday, December 7, 2026.

A council spokesperson said: “All relevant comments received during the consultation period will be considered by the council to inform future stages of local plan preparation.”

Printed copies of the consultation documents are available at council offices and local libraries.

Residents can find out more here.