A YORKSHIRE Dales market town is at risk of being "destroyed" by unwanted new housing, a community leader has claimed as plans are drawn up for another large development.

Yorvik Homes wants to build about 60 homes off Brentwood in Leyburn which has already seen several new housing developments approved in recent years with other in the pipeline.

Leyburn town councillor Bernard Borman said a recently-launched petition against more homes being built in the area had been signed by more than 40 people.

He added: "With the various planning applications for major developments in Leyburn, the traditional image of a pleasant market town is in the process of being completely destroyed by unreasonable over-intensification of development.

"In particular, the area of Brentwood is under severe attack. A former cul-de-sac with residential bungalows for retired and disabled people is yet again under threat from a proposed massive development.

"This will reduce the value of people’s homes, produce traffic chaos and put enormous pressure on the infrastructure."

Cllr Borman said residents were considering a judicial review against the scheme.

He added: "Surely the planning system should provide that people are secure in their own homes and not have to fight a battle every two years against greedy developers and incompetent planning committees."

Richmondshire district councillor Karin Sedgwick said formal plans had not yet been submitted.

"If people put forward their views the plans will get altered within the planning regulations so people must not panic."

She added: "A sign of life is growth and we need to grow to provide housing for young families - there's a drastic shortage of two-bed housing in the area. Leyburn is a great place to live and we don't want to limit it."

Matthew Gath, managing director of Yorvik Homes, said between 50 and 60 homes would be built on the site if planning permission was granted.

Mr Gath said it was likely the majority of the houses would be two and three-bedroom properties rather than larger, luxury homes, as this was what there was the highest demand was for.

A consultation event took place in Leyburn this week for residents to give their thoughts on the scheme.