PLANS to build 62 properties on a derelict site in Norton have been given the go ahead despite concerns that the area would flood and could be a site of significant Roman remains.

The application for the former ATS tyre depot in Commercial Street including 57 one and two-bedroom apartments, five three-bedroom houses with undercroft parking, private and communal amenity areas was approved by Ryedale District Council's planning committee last Tuesday.

Commercial Street resident Angela Wardale, who addressed the committee to opposed the plans, said people who lived nearby were not opposed to the development of the site but were concerned over the height and number of buildings.

"It is not in keeping with the street which is a conservation area," she added.

"There are also the issues over the sewers in the town - in 2012, Norton suffered from nine days of flooding with some properties flooded with raw sewerage. If this development goes ahead there will be another 62 properties which will only add to the sewer problems."

Mrs Wardale said the Environment Agency had already admitted that they expected the site to flood.

"We are still awaiting a report from the last floods which should be submitted to the committee before any decision is made," she added.

"To approve these plans is putting the future occupants at a persistent risk of flooding."

Deputy mayor of Norton Antony Crozer, said the town council also considered the development to be too large and were concerned about traffic issues.

"Any plans should compliment the scale, size and quality of Commercial Street," he added.

"The site has Roman remains and maybe an area of some significance which English Heritage need to be aware of and consulted on."

District councillor and ward member for Norton, Luke Ives said that while he believed in principle that the ATS site should be redeveloped the plans were far too great and not sympathetic with the character of the area.

"This is Norton's high street, and the imposition of the huge residential development right in the middle of it is totally at odds with the neighbouring commercial businesses," he added.

"Parking is already an acute problem in Norton, so a development on this scale will inevitably cause huge parking demands on the neighbouring area. As a result, our local shops may be denied potential customers due to the flats’ occupants using the few roadside spaces available."

Coun Ives also questioned why Coun Elizabeth Shields, who he said was a very close friend of Coun Lindsay Burr, who owns the land was addressing the planning committee to speak in favour of the application, saying it was ' a huge conflict of interest.'.

However, Coun Shields said the development would be of particular benefit for many young people in Norton and enhance the town.

"Hopefully it will also bring more business into Norton and encourage new residents to use the shops, which is turn will benefit," she added.

"The applicants are not developers from far away, hoping to make a fast buck, they are residents who have been born and brought up in the town, who see a need and really wish to help other people," she added. (LEAVE IN)

Coun Tommy Woodward, a member of the planning committee, said he recommended the application for approval with 'a heavy heart' but decisions made against schemes were more and more frequently overturned at appeal.

"I have great sympathy with the objectors and can see where they care coming from, but I am getting increasingly disheartened with the ability of this planning committee and probably those all over he country to determine a planning application," he added.

Coun Luke Richardson, who seconded the motion, said the safety of residents was of particular concern as the sight would flood at some point in the future.

"There needs to be a good safety plan in place both in the long and shorter term," he added.