Homes and aerospace expansion plans approved

Plans combining the expansion of an aerospace engineering firm with a 67-home housing development have been backed by councillors, despite dozens of objections from local residents.

The joint proposal for land near West Lund Lane in Kirbymoorside was approved by North Yorkshire Council's Thirsk and Malton area committee.

Planning documents state the scheme, by aerospace engineering company Sylatech and housebuilder Mulgrave Developments, would allow the firm's operations to grow while also delivering a new residential neighbourhood.

Councillor Nigel Knapton said the authority's lack of housing land supply had left members with little choice but to support the plans.

The proposal includes a new commercial building for Sylatech, 67 homes, land for future employment use and highway improvements, including widening part of West Lund Lane and infilling the former railway bridge.

A total of 54 objections and 14 letters of support were submitted during the consultation.

Speaking against the application, resident Nigel Croad said the scheme would result in the loss of employment land and agricultural land outside the town's development boundary.

"The local plan allocated 6.7 acres for existing employment use. The proposed housing takes 2.2 acres of that employment land," he told councillors.

"If used for housing, it is lost for future employment use."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said residents also raised concerns about traffic, road safety, noise, pollution, infrastructure and the impact on the surrounding countryside.

Meanwhile, Kirkbymoorside Town Council expressed concerns about combining industrial and residential development on the site, but acknowledged the importance of retaining Sylatech in the town.

Local councillor Greg White said he believed the scheme could worsen congestion and create road safety issues.

However, councillor Knapton said national housing targets made it difficult to resist applications.

"Ryedale is in an unfortunate position of only having a 0.8-year land supply and that really does tie our hands," he said.

Councillor Caroline Goodrick said she appreciated local residents may not be happy with the decision but backed the plans, warning the council could face an expensive appeal if it refused permission.

Councillors voted to be minded to approve the application, subject to minor amendments being finalised by officers.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.