Plan for 150 new homes recommended for approval

A development of up to 150 homes in a North Yorkshire town has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The scheme would see houses built on land off Whitby Road in Pickering and has been submitted by Keyland Developments Ltd.

North Yorkshire Council received one letter supporting the scheme and 15 objections, with people raising concerns about increased traffic and the impact on local services.

However, a council planning report said the project included "increased housing supply, including policy-compliant levels of affordable housing which are given significant weight".

Planning officers acknowledged that the location was beyond the town's defined development limits and that in "normal circumstances" it would not be supported, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, they said the authority was not able to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land, as required by the government, and the balance was therefore in favour of approving applications for homes.

"There are further social, health and wellbeing benefits arising from the provision of public open space with play facilities and environmental enhancement in the form of biodiversity net gain," the council report said.

"With the 'tilted' balance applied, it adds further weight to the position that permission should be granted."

The scheme would provide a mix of housing, including 35% affordable homes and areas of public open space, the application said.

The proposals are expected to be discussed at a meeting on Thursday.

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