The government has approved a development plan for a new 4,000-home community between York and Harrogate.
Set around the existing Cattal railway station, the new town will feature mixed-tenure homes alongside two primary schools, a mixed-use local centre and healthcare facilities. It is estimated that the scheme will take up to 30 years to develop.
Following the approval by the Planning Inspectorate, the developer, Caddick, will now progress with its garden village masterplan. The inspector found that the proposals met all legal requirements, but did call for some modifications, including amendments to access and the boundary of the site.
Harrogate Borough Council will now progress towards formally adopting the plan, taking the suggested amendments into consideration.
Chris Procter, director at Caddick, said: “We welcome the publication of the Inspector’s Report following the Examination in Public of the Maltkiln new settlement.”
“We will review the report and continue to work closely with North Yorkshire Council, local residents and partners on the next phase of the project.”
Plans for the new town have been around since 2018 after the Council’s Local Plan proposed the idea to meet future housing needs in the area.
The plans have also gained support from North Yorkshire Council, which was formed in 2023.
After a three-week consultation for the scheme in 2024, Caddick submitted revised plans to the government watchdog.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “This important decision allows us to continue progressing plans to provide much-needed new homes and support services in the central part of North Yorkshire.”
“Developments like Maltkiln are, therefore, hugely important in addressing our housing needs and providing sustainable communities for people to call home.”
Green Party councillor, Arnold Warneken, who represents Ouseburn, said: “The challenge is to make sure that what started as a garden village doesn’t end up as a housing estate in the countryside.”
“Before we even talk about houses, we need to ensure a settlement of this size doesn’t put pressure on existing infrastructure such as highways and sewers.”
The final proposals are due to be presented to North Yorkshire councillors on Wednesday 12 November.
