Housing plan backed amid sewer warnings

1 hour ago

Joe WillisLocal Democracy Reporting Service

Land has been earmarked for 150 homes on the edge of Pickering

Google In the foreground on the right is a grey roadside sign mounted on two metal posts. At the top of the sign is a red‑ringed circular speed limit symbol displaying 30. Below it, printed in black text on a white background, are the words Welcome to Pickering and Please drive Carefully. The sign stands on a grassy verge next to trees and hedgerow. To the left of the sign, a wooden farm gate set into a hedgerow opens onto open countryside. — Land has been earmarked for 150 homes on the edge of Pickering

Plans for up to 150 new homes on the edge of Pickering have been backed, amid warnings over capacity in the public sewer network and wastewater treatment works.

An outline application for development on land off Whitby Road was considered by members of North Yorkshire Council's Thirsk and Malton area planning committee.

The scheme would include a mix of housing, with 35% classed as affordable, alongside public open space, landscaping and biodiversity measures.

A proposal to defer the decision was set aside in favour of a "minded to approve" vote, allowing officers to address the issues without the scheme returning to committee.

Planning officers recommended approval of the scheme, but councillors examined several concerns, including an objection from Yorkshire Water over whether the existing public sewer network and wastewater treatment works could support the development.

An artist's impression of the proposed development in Pickering

North Yorkshire Council An illustrated aerial view of a proposed housing development set within a rural landscape. At the centre is a long, narrow site filled with rows of small, two‑storey houses shown in soft pastel colours, with a central open space with trees and planting. — An artist's impression of the proposed development in Pickering

Officers advised that despite the objection, water companies were legally required to provide the necessary infrastructure if housing is approved, and that conditions could be attached to ensure appropriate mitigation.

Councillors also questioned what measures would be put in place to prevent lighting from the site affecting the Dark Skies Friendly scheme launched by the North York Moors National Park in 2019.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the recommendation came despite officers acknowledging the site lies outside Pickering's defined development limits, where new housing would not normally be supported.

A report said that in "normal circumstances, the principle of development would not be supported", due to conflict with planning policy.

However, officers noted the council could not currently demonstrate a five‑year supply of deliverable housing land, as required by national planning rules, which tilted the balance in favour of approving housing proposals.

The council received 15 objections from local residents and one letter of support.

Objectors raised concerns over traffic congestion, drainage, and whether local services and the environment could cope with the additional homes.

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