WORK will start in the New Year to build a luxury new housing development on the site of a former care home in Richmond - despite initial fears over road safety and its appearance.

Mulberry Homes Yorkshire is building the complex - consisting of 12 homes and eight apartments - in Reeth Road. The scheme will be known as The Orchard.

The scheme was originally rejected by Richmondshire District Council in April and revised plans were submitted.

These were approved in July on condition that parking restrictions are introduced along with a pedestrian crossing on Cravengate and a new mini roundabout at its junction with Reeth Road.

There were also concerns about the use of zinc on a roof-line and the design of windows – but these were approved by a planning sub-committee.

The development site overlooks Temple Grounds and has panoramic views of the Swale valley and Richmond Castle - described as a ‘unique’ site by ward councillor Linda Curran.

Cllr Curran said there had been congestion concerns about parking in Cravengate which is currently unrestricted.

“Highways considered putting double yellow lines on Cravengate but that would displace cars that park outside houses and a hairdressers.

“Highways has decided to use white lines – stopping cars parking too near the junction but not on the road altogether – and see how it goes."

The prices of the homes, which are being built on the site of the former Richmond House care home, will range from £180,000 up to £600,000 when they are released for sale in 2015.

Terry Davies, from Mulberry Homes, said: “We are excited about starting work on what will be a prestigious development in a fantastic location.

“We worked closely with planners and the local community to come up with a scheme that was in keeping with this part of Richmond and we would like to thank them for their valuable input and support

“The homes are being built to a very high specification and we expect they will be much sought after among buyers.”

Buyers will be able to choose from a selection of house types including eight two-bedroom apartments, one three-bedroom house, eight four-bedroom houses and two five-bedroom houses.

Work on the homes is expected to be complete by early 2016.

For more information about the development call 01609-531314 or email kath.stansfield@mulberryhomesyorkshire.com.