PLANS for 30 new homes in picturesque North Yorkshire village could be approved today only months after a poll among residents opposed large developments.

Ryedale District Council’s planning committee will debate proposals by Davis Wilson Homes for the housing scheme off Station Road, Ampleforth, with the authority’s planners having recommended the application for approval.

In last September’s parish poll, 228 of the 263 Ampleforth residents who took part – 87 per cent – said they did not want developments of more than four houses on greenfield sites.

However, a report on the Station Road scheme by council planning officer Gary Housden said that while the committee could take the results into account, they could “be afforded little weight” when making a decision on the proposals.

His report said officers felt the development would not have an adverse impact on Ampleforth residents and sites for housing were needed in Ryedale.