MORE than 2,500 homes are planned for the south side of Beverley, under a new blueprint for the town's future.
The homes would be built on fields between existing housing and the town's planned £27m southern bypass.
Proposals also include a new primary school and open space to preserve views of historic Beverley Minster.
Hundreds of homes and a bypass would also be built on the northern edge of the town under East Riding Council's draft Local Plan.
But developers' controversial proposals to relocate Longcroft School to make way for 800 homes are not in the plan.
In all, 21 potential development sites would accommodate 3,400 new houses, a quarter of which would be affordable housing.
Civic society leaders are urging residents to have their say on the crucial document, which will go out to public consultation in the new year.
Beverley Civic Society chairman Sandy Patience said: "It's very important we all get involved in deciding what kind of future we want for Beverley.
"We can't take all this new housing, it will break the neck of the goose that laid the golden egg.
"People should have their say, it's their town. They shouldn't leave the decision to an unrepresentative cabinet at the council."
Stephen Hunt, housing and spatial strategy manager at the council, said the authority understands people's concerns.
He said: "In planning for the future of Beverley with 3,400 new homes, we have looked at what impact that will have on the infrastructure and facilities.
"We are proposing to improve education provision, add further retail developments and a park and ride.
"The waste and water treatment works need to be upgraded and we may also need to make highways improvements at some junctions."
Keldmarsh Primary School would be extended and a new primary built on the south side of the town for families moving into the new homes.
A masterplan for development of this area would be drawn up together with landowners.
Mr Hunt said: "Before any development can take place we want the landowners to get together and prepare a development brief to show how the whole area will be developed and that will be subject to public consultation.
"Beverley Renaissance has asked for landscaping within the site to create a 'Southwood' area to complement Beverley Westwood.
"We are very sensitive to keep views of Beverley Minster, so the open space will probably be to the south of the Minster."
On the north side of town, potential sites have been identified for 388 new homes.
This includes Longcroft School's lower school site, which could be sold off to make way for 68 homes.
A sell-off would generate cash to modernise the upper school site to accommodate all pupils.
Mr Hunt said: "It would merge the two schools together on the upper school site and enable investment to improve the building and provide new windows and doors."
Planners rejected more than half of the potential development sites put forward by landowners and builders for inclusion in the draft Local Plan.
Among sites ruled out for housing development is Beverley Rugby Club's Beaver Park, off Norwood.
The vast majority of land earmarked for housing is to the south of the existing town.
Development is planned on both sides of Long Lane and the area has been divided, by the council, into several development sites all bordering each other.
A large area to the west of the railway line is flagged for residential use only.
It means people who live in the housing areas off Lincoln Way, if they currently enjoy open views looking east, will eventually look over a built-up area.
To the east of the railway line, directly south of the Parklands development, the intention is to introduce mixed-use development. That could mean residential and/or light industrial use.
Following public consultation, the Local Plan will be finalised by the council for submission to the Government in September.
Visit www.eastriding.gov.uk to view the draft plan.
