CAMPAIGNERS against plans to build 500 homes on the outskirts of Malton have welcomed amendments to the plans, but say there is even less certainty about the type of housing development.

The West Malton Residents’ Group (WRMG) is opposing an outline application to develop a 21-hectare site between Castle Howard Road and Middlecave Road.

Provisionally named High Malton, the plans, submitted by Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, are described as a self-contained community of homes, shops and employment.

Ian Conlan, spokesman for WMRG, said correspondence from Ryedale District Council planning officers revealed that the Estate’s development team has acknowledged that the plans for five-storey properties were unacceptable due to the proximity of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, they now intended to pursue a “red line” application.

He said: “This is where no illustrative detail is attached to an application other that a red line on the map and a verbal description of the type of development, in this case 500 houses and an unspecified amount of shops, offices and community uses.

“They are even seeking to withdraw the position and detail of road access from this application, citing unresolved issues about a possible school site. The WRMG is pleased that the worst visual aspects of the plan have been removed, but by pursuing a ‘red line’ application there is even less certainty about the kind of housing development it is.

Our greatest concern is linked to the scale. If High Malton goes ahead there would be a 25 per cent rise in population. If High Malton, Broughton Road, Pasture Lane, Rainbow Lane and Old Malton developments all complete, there will be a 57 per cent increase. The impact will be enormous.”

Mr Conlan said the group was adamant that the planning application should be refused, conditions or no conditions.

Roddy Bushell, Fitzwilliam Malton Estate manager, said: “There appears to be some misunderstanding of the planning process by the residents’ group. The Estate applied for a red outline consent from the beginning. The letter released on February 17 confirms the council’s position that an outline application is a suitable way forward.

“A second ‘detailed’ application is then required for designs and layouts. As part of the consultation, the Estate submitted an indicative masterplan to demonstrate an ambition to deliver a high-quality development in terms of design. Those designs received an enthusiastic welcome at public consultations.

“The Estate, in consultation with the planning authority, took the decision to formally withdraw the masterplan from application documents to make it clear there is flexibility and that the design of buildings, layout and housing mix will continue to evolve.

“We would hope that the residents’ group sees this in a positive light. At the same time, it was agreed that the Estate would not be required to design access points in detail. This is consistent with the council’s position that a suitable access is clearly feasible and therefore designing detailed access points is unnecessary at this stage.”