Affordable housing included in Wombleton village proposal

A planning application has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for the development in fields off Main Street and Hungerhill Lane, on the southern edge of Wombleton, near Helmsley.

The application has been filed on behalf of the applicant, Yorkshire Land Limited.

The 1.1-hectare site is outside the village’s development limits set out in the Ryedale Local Plan.

A mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties, including detached, semi-detached houses, and bungalows are proposed.

Access to the development would be from Hungerhill Lane.

The architects say existing trees and hedgerows would be retained, with additional landscaping designed to create an attractive environment.

Supporting documents say the applicant’s vision is to “develop a distinctive residential environment which responds positively to the character of existing development within Wombleton whilst providing modern standards of living”.

The report adds: “The dwellings are designed to complement the existing built form while ensuring the amenity of future occupants through safe, secure homes with private gardens, off-street parking, and renewable energy provision.

“The layout achieves a coherent sense of place, makes efficient use of land, and preserves the amenity of neighbouring properties.

“Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained where possible and supplemented with new planting.”

A consultation exercise was carried out ahead of the application being submitted.

A total of 24 responses were received.

Respondents raised concerns that the number of new houses was disproportionate to the size of the village and would lead to a 15 to 20 per cent increase in housing.

Concerns were raised that the development would lie outside the settlement limit and that the design and density of the housing was considered suburban and would conflict with the village’s linear layout.

Residents also reported existing problems with congestion in Main Street and Hungerhill Lane.

The application is currently being assessed by North Yorkshire Council’s planning department.