'Brownfield sites vital to future' (From Gazette & Herald)

'Brownfield sites vital to future'

PLANS to re-develop derelict factories and warehouses along Malton and Norton's 'river-rail' corridor must be backed by district councillors, officers have urged.

A massive £30,000 study into potential redevelopment and enhancement areas is planned for the area, funded largely by Yorkshire Forward.

Ryedale District Council has been asked to contribute up to £10,000 to ensure the study goes ahead.

Julian Rudd, the council's local plans and conservation manager, said developing the cluster of brownfield sites - problem areas which have seen arson attacks and large-scale vandalism in the past - was a priority.

"This study is needed to kickstart and guide the redevelopment and enhancement of this significant area of Malton/Norton," he said.

"Without it, the difficult-to-develop areas are likely to remain unchanged, and the same old problems that have always been faced in Malton and Norton, as illustrated in report upon report upon report, will be present in five years' time."

Mr Rudd said that once the study was complete, it was important to work to provide new housing, employment and leisure opportunities as the first stage of redevelopment.

Stage two would see a town centre renaissance and enhancement plan to bring economic vitality to the twin towns.

Some of the sites - including the former Dewhirst clothing factory in Norton - have seen serious flooding in recent years.

But the recently completed flood defence scheme has significantly reduced that risk.

Mr Rudd said the study and ensuing redevelopment was uncharted territory for the district council.

But he warned: "The risks of doing nothing are considered to be far greater, with the long standing issues and problems facing Malton/Norton only worsening until the twin towns are significantly under-performing in comparison to the rest of North Yorkshire."

Members of the council's policy and resources committee are being recommended to approve the allocation of funds for the project at their meeting on Thursday.

Updated: 10:43 Wednesday, July 23, 2003