150 new homes to be built despite fears of 'inevitable' sewage pollution
Outline permission has been granted for the proposals which will see a mix of homes built on the site off Firthland Road. (Image: Persimmon Homes)
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PLANS for up to 150 new homes in a North Yorkshire town have been given the go-ahead despite concerns more sewage pollution could become “inevitable”.
An application by housebuilder Persimmon was given the go-ahead by members of the North Yorkshire Council Thirsk & Malton planning committee last Thursday.
Outline permission has been granted for the proposals which will see a mix of homes built on the site off Firthland Road.
Planning officers had recommended that housebuilder Persimmon Homes’ permission to build on the eight-hectare agricultural site was given the go-ahead.
However, Pickering Town Council had objected, warning that additional pressure on the town’s already overstretched sewerage network could result in further pollution of local waterways.
The concerns were backed by Yorkshire Water, which also objected to the application because it said the existing sewerage network and wastewater treatment works do not have sufficient capacity to accommodate the development.
It said: “Our infrastructure in Pickering is already at capacity and cannot accept any additional flows until necessary infrastructure works have been delivered.”
Yorkshire Water said it was investigating the investment needed to increase capacity but warned this would take time.
Pickering Town Council said it believed that placing further demands on the sewerage system would make illegal discharges into the river network inevitable.
It called for strict planning conditions to ensure that suitable foul drainage arrangements were approved and all necessary infrastructure improvements completed before any of the new homes were occupied.
The town council also raised concerns about surface water drainage, traffic congestion, road safety, wildlife and the proximity of the proposed homes to Westgate Carr Industrial Estate.
It stated the site was unsuitable for additional housing but acknowledged that the council’s shortage of housing land could make the application difficult to refuse.
The proposals have also attracted 31 objections from members of the public, with concerns including pressure on schools and healthcare, increased traffic and the impact on the local environment.
Despite the objections, planning officers say the development can be made acceptable through conditions and a legal agreement.
The recommended conditions include safeguards intended to prevent homes being occupied until adequate sewerage capacity is available.
The land has previously been the subject of two unsuccessful housing applications, refused in 2018 and 2019 over concerns including the impact on historic strip fields, highway safety and the layout of the developments.
Persimmon said houses will range from one to four bedrooms, with bungalows also to be provided and 35% of all the new homes will be sold or rented at a discount or transferred to a housing provider.
All properties will be designed to future home standards and benefit from on-plot EV charging facilities.
Sustainable technologies, including air-source heat pumps and solar panels, will also be integrated.
Residents will enjoy areas of green public open spaces, extensive on-site walking routes and a new children’s play area.
Persimmon will also provide over £1 million in funding as part of the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Graham Whiteford, Planning Director at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased that councillors have approved this application for high quality new homes for local people.
“This will deliver both a mix of homes from one to four-bedroom properties, as well as significant funding for local public services and infrastructure.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the council and the community to bring these plans to fruition.”