COUNCILLORS threw out plans for a controversial housing development after concerns were raised that the Thirsk area is being swamped by new homes.

The Taylor Wimpey proposals for 40 houses on a site off Ripon Way, Carlton Miniott, prompted objections from 23 residents and the parish council. 

Members of Hambleton District Council’s planning committee agreed with their concerns and refused the application, going against the recommendation of their own director of housing and planning who had urged permission be granted.

They said the scheme was premature, with a lack of affordable housing and concerns over drainage, flooding, housing density, design, and safety worries over a nearby lake.

The parish council warned the site had only been earmarked in the local plan for 33 homes and that was over a period up to 2021.

Objectors said enough new houses are already being built at Sowerby, where there is a scheme to build 925 homes. The first phase for 107 houses is already under way.

They also complained that the "estate like nature" of the planned development would not be in keeping with the rural character of the village, and raised concerns that Carlton Miniott primary school would not have enough space.

The education authority had been asking for a contribution of £136,000 to fund ten extra places.

Planning officer Jonathan Saddington had told the committee the layout and house types of the scheme would result in an appropriately scaled and attractive development for Carlton Miniott which would be in accordance with the council’s planning policies. 

However councillors voted against the scheme.

Speaking after the meeting, Mark Leigh, managing director for Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire, said: “We were disappointed by the members' decision to go against their professional officers' recommendation and refuse the application. 

"The site is allocated for housing in the council's own adopted plan and in achieving a recommendation for approval, we feel we had fully addressed all of the issues.

"We are now considering our position in the light of this decision.”