PLANS to build up to 85 homes on the edge of a Ryedale town have been rejected for a second time after horseracing trainers said they feared increased traffic could affect their exercises.

Gladman Developments, which has sparked controversy with a number of housing development plans, had re-submitted an application to Ryedale Council District for land next to Auburn Cottages and north of Sutton Grange, in Langton Road, Norton.

The properties would have been a mix of one to five-bedroom houses, 35 per cent of which would have been affordable homes.

Members of the council’s planning committee raised concerns over the location of the development, congestion and impact on the sewage system. They also felt it would have a detrimental effect on the local horse racing industry.

A representative of the horse racing industry also said there are 600 racehorses in the Malton and Norton area which use Langton Road to reach the gallops, adding that there is already conflict between the ridden horses and traffic in the area.

The plans had been opposed by Norton Town Council and several residents in the area, as well as the council’s conservation officer.

Objections included concerns over drainage problems, building in open countryside and the primary school.