Dozens of homes proposed for former council depot

Plans have been submitted by Brierley Homes for a 34-home scheme in North Yorkshire.

They involve transforming the former council highways depot in West Ayton, near Scarborough.

Known as Forge Valley, it will see the conversion of an historic engine shed and station house, enabling the site to retain its heritage.

If given the go-ahead, the development will feature a selection of one, two, three and four-bed properties, consisting of maisonettes, terraced houses, semi-detached and detached homes.

Prior to North Yorkshire Council taking it over, the site was home to the Forge Valley railway station. However, the line closed to passenger trains in 1950.

Rather than demolish the station house, designers have opted to convert it into four one-bed flats. The engine shed, meanwhile, is set to become a new community facility.

Brierley Homes’ managing director, Stuart Ede, said: “Opportunities such as this don’t come along every day. Preserving the county’s past is important and we are happy to have been able to make the station house and engine shed integral parts of the plan.

“This scheme will help breathe new life into some of the old railway station features and will also give the community a great space that will enhance the village as a whole.”

Affordable housing will make up 30% of the scheme. If the developer gains consent, construction is scheduled to begin in the autumn.