Concerns over 3,000-home village between Harrogate and York

Developer Caddick has submitted updated planning documents for the proposed Maltkiln Village development, which would be built around Cattal railway station, between Harrogate and York.

The paperwork includes an infrastructure delivery plan, setting out how infrastructure and highways improvements will be delivered in step with the development of the new village.

The work includes a new roundabout on the A59 to increase safety and improve access for motorists.

The documents also include more information on proposed building designs, street layouts, green spaces and materials.

Caddick says it has undertaken further public consultation since North Yorkshire Council approved the development framework for the scheme last month,

Speaking about the proposals, Chris Procter, director at Caddick, said: “We are pleased to have reached this important milestone with the submission of an updated suite of planning application documents to North Yorkshire Council for Maltkiln Village.

“A significant amount of work has gone into shaping a proposal that delivers a new settlement built on the core principles of sustainability, connectivity and community.”

But North Yorkshire councillor, Arnold Warneken, who represents the Ouseburn division, which includes the proposed development site, said he continues to have “major concerns” about the scheme.

Councillor Arnold Warneken.

The Green Party councillor says schools, GP services and the sewage system in the surrounding villages were already under intense pressure with the existing number of residents and new housing already in the planning system.

The councillor is worried that house building will take place on the Maltkiln scheme without sufficient infrastructure in place for the occupants.

He added: “On paper, the phasing contained in the delivery plan looks reasonable.

“But I do think if we’re not careful, we’re just going to put extreme pressures on aspects of the infrastructure and the facilities on site.

“I’m worried it will get to the point where it might be all singing all dancing, ecological and climate friendly, but it’s going to be a hell of a place to live, because you won’t have a doctor and the local primary school will be bursting at the seams because a new one hasn’t been built.”

The councillor said he was also concerned that planning permission had not yet been agreed for a new site for the Johnsons of Whixley wholesale nursery, which is due to move to make way for the new community.

“There are all these things that still haven’t been resolved,” he added

For more information on the Maltkiln scheme, visit: https://maltkilnvillage.co.uk/index.php