PLANS to build 62 flats in five blocks on a site at Great Ayton were rejected by councillors yesterday. Wimpey Homes were given a chance by Hambleton planning committee to submit revised proposals for the development behind California Court, Frankfield Place and Pearsonville.

The committee agreed with planning officers that the existing design would result in a cramped, overbearing development and a better mix of house types was needed; there were road safety concerns.

The parish council, which urged refusal, said it would be over-development of a small site and more traffic would use Newton Road, John Street and Cleveland Street. Letters of objection were received from local residents.

The site, where present permission is for industrial use, covers just over 1.5 acres and was once occupied by the Edward Kitching primary school, now used by an engineering firm, a haulier and the Hambleton environmental services depot. All the buildings would be demolished by Wimpey to make way for the flats.