MORE than 100 local residents turned up to a public consultation event about plans for a new 3,000-home settlement west of York.

Developers behind the ‘Maltkiln Village’ proposals at Cattal say feedback, over issues such as transport, was ‘very informative’ and they will now consider how the scheme should evolve before a planning application is submitted.

Oakgate Group staged the event at Green Hammerton Village Hall on Tuesday about the 166 hectare development near Cattal railway station on the York-Harrogate line.

Harrogate Borough Council’s draft Local Plan originally allocated land between Green Hammerton and Kirk Hammerton for up to 3,000 new homes to meet the district’s housing needs. This prompted huge protests from residents and the authority decided last autumn the rival Cattal scheme nearby should also be considered fully.

An Oakgate spokesman said transport issues were raised at Tuesday’s event, in particular the need for improved train services alongside planned highways improvements.

“We also had some helpful discussions around community infrastructure – i.e. schools, health facilities etc – and when these would be delivered in the overall timing of the development.”

He said a further public consultation event will be held next month before Oakgate finalised its planning application,adding: “In the meantime, feedback can also be provided through our website www.maltkilnvillage.co.uk.”