A community has forced a rethink on a controversial housing development with builders coming up with new designs after protests that much of the scheme was out of keeping with a market town.

There was concern that the Lyngarth development on the outskirts of Bedale at South End would ruin the area; an online petition was launched by objectors to “Keep Bedale Beautiful” and preserve the greenfield site.

Now developers Persimmon have altered the plans, cutting the numbers from 88 to 79 and reducing house sizes from two and a half storeys to two whilst including eight bungalows and with 31 of the homes allocated as affordable ones.

Some objectors are still concerned that the scheme will mean the loss of greenbelt land, cause highway problems and make the town less attractive to visitors.

But Hambleton planning committee was told the site had been allocated for housing in the local development framework which was agreed in 2007, although it was not due to be developed until 2021 to 2026.

Cllr John Noone, said;”I know there are still concerns from some people, but the developers have listened to what we have said.

“The size of the houses has been reduced, the open space has been moved into the centre of the site and they have now included bungalows. The two and a half storey houses they originally wanted are out of keeping with the town, and we’re hoping this sets a precedent on that. We did make the point that people have to live in these houses and the rest of the town has to look at them, we have to think about the visual impact.

“We know why developers do it, but this is a traditional market town and it’s not in keeping.”

There was also concern over drainage, after protests from neighbouring homeowners over flooding on the play park on the former Persimmon estate at Southfields.

“They are working with Yorkshire Water on this, they have gone a long way to try and ensure this is not a problem, and we will be monitoring it,” added Cllr Noone.

To carry out the work developers will be required to give funds of £299,112 towards primary school education in the town with a contribution of £2,597 for open space and £14,869 towards local sport and recreation. The site will have a mix of 39 three and four bedroom houses and 40 two bedroom houses.