A REVISED application for 40 homes on a former council depot has been approved.

Duchy Homes Ltd applied for planning permission for three five bedroom, 20 four bedroom, seven. three bedroom and 10 two bedroom homes with associated garages, parking, amenity areas and landscaping on land to the south of Westgate, Old Malton, partly on the site of the former council depot and the Coronation farmstead, which stretches south to the edge of the cemetery.

Reserved matters approved was granted in January 2017 for 39 dwellings, however the current application also includes four single storey units within the scheme in order to address concerns previously expressed from residents within the southern end of Westfold and for design reasons.

Malton Town Council had objected to the proposals on the grounds of appearance and design that is not in keeping to the area, traffic and parking issues, drainage and flood risk concerns, along with a negative impact on the character of the area.

Six local residents have also raised objections and concerns in relation to the original plans, including traffic and access concerns in Westgate, the number of houses now proposed, flooding, potential additional noise, loss of privacy and the affect on the character of the locality.

Town Councillor Martin Dales, said: “I remain concerned about whether Westgate can cope in terms of traffic with this development in addition to residents of both Westgate and Westfold and the many customers with horse-boxes along with the staff at the Equine Hospital who all have to negotiate a narrow Westgate and then queue up to get onto an increasingly busy and congested Town Street.

“Some years ago I suggested to the original developers that they might shave a small amount of large grass verge on the south side of Westgate leading up to the development to at least create a wider access in the first section from Town Street.

He added: “I think now as well as that there needs to be at least a mini-roundabout at the junction of Westgate and Town Street to enable a timely distribution of vehicles on both roads.

“It would have the advantage of calming traffic down on Town Street to the 30mph speed limit that residents of Old Malton fought for a reduction from 40mph some years ago.”

Yorkshire MD of Duchy Homes, Craig Knowles, said:“Duchy Homes has worked with the planning committee to agree a new housing scheme that will provide much-needed new homes in Old Malton.

“A visual of the proposed development is currently underway and we look forward to sharing this soon to reveal the high-quality mix of two, three, four and five-bed properties that will launch for sale next year.”