Public has say on derelict sites (From Gazette & Herald)

Public has say on derelict sites

THE results of a £35,000 feasibility study into the regeneration of former industrial sites in two Ryedale towns have been revealed.

More than 700 people gave their views on the various options for the six sites in Malton and Norton, in a consultation exercise funded by Yorkshire Forward and Ryedale District Council, with plans drawn up by town planning consulting firm Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, of Manchester.

Its aim is to create new jobs, provide homes, and generate leisure and entertainment facilities, as well as public open space.

The sites have not been purchased by the district council and there is no guarantee that any work will follow the study - but local planners considered it was vital to consult local people on what they would like to see happen to the land.

As members of the council's overview and scrutiny committee will hear tonight, those who took part thought both visions suggested for the former Dewhirst's clothing factory in Norton were acceptable. The first was for 30 houses, the second for 20 houses and small business space, which would create 40 jobs.

For the ATS site in Commercial Street, Norton, the consultation showed overwhelming support for the first option of a parking and servicing area, and not the second option, which also included 60 apartments.

At the Travis Perkins site, off Yorkersgate, Malton, people were in favour of the second option of maximising the benefits of a riverside and town centre location by creating 50 homes, offices, a restaurant or bar and a two-storey car park - generating 70 jobs. The first option was to create 14 homes.

The public backed plans for an office-led development creating around 180 jobs with a crche and gym at the riverside and bus station site, Norton, rather than a retail centre.

Of the three options for the Yorkshire Woolgrowers and adjoining land at Welham Road, Norton - 280 to 300 new houses; or 200 new homes, a new leisure centre, office and industrial space; or a retail development - the mixed-use second option was favoured.

Of the two options identified for the former gasworks site at Sheepfoot Hill, Malton, a residential development was preferred.

Councillors have already agreed to a recommendation suggested by Coun John Clark that the authority develop a scheme in these areas with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy use and car use, and increased public transport use.

Julian Rudd, the council's forward planning manager, said the final report on the river-rail corridor should be welcomed as a positive step forward, and that the conclusions of the study should be generally endorsed and taken forward as part of the work in the Ryedale Local Development Framework.

The report will be considered at a full council meeting next month.

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, June 24, 2004