Independent inspector to assess plans for thousands of new homes

Proposals for thousands of new homes to help meet demand for housing in North Yorkshire have been submitted for independent examination.

The plans for the Maltkiln Village scheme would see as many as 3,000 properties built on a site centred around Cattal Railway Station, 10 miles east of Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Council has now sent the Draft New Settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan to the Planning Inspectorate.

The draft plan, which sets out how Maltkiln should be developed, has been drawn up in consultation with communities and specialist organisations. It includes a vision, objectives and detailed policies to guide development.

North Yorkshire Council says the Maltkiln Village development is set to provide local amenities and facilities alongside the new homes, as well as extensive areas of open space and landscaping.

Corporate director of community development, Nic Harne, said: “We are acutely aware of the need for more housing across the whole of North Yorkshire to meet the demand for homes so that people can choose to live in the communities that they wish to.

“The Maltkiln development is a major scheme and is aimed at addressing the housing needs in the area.

“We have now submitted documents for the independent examination, and we will wait for the inspector’s comments to see how we can then hopefully progress the development.”

The draft plan, as well as accompanying evidence and consultation responses received during the consultation on the draft plan, will be examined by the inspector to assess whether it has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and if it is “sound”.

In most cases the examination will include hearing sessions which are held in public.

At the end of the examination, the inspector will send a report to the council recommending whether or not it can adopt the plan, and if any modifications are needed.