HELMSLEY could see more than 150 homes built as a blueprint for the town’s development for the next 13 years has been revealed.

The newly-published plans set out stages of development for the town until 2027, including proposals for housing on five sites.

Land north of Swanland Road and east of Carlton Road, north of Elmslac Road, south of Riccal Drive, east of Riccal Drive and south of Swanland Road are sites earmarked for houses in a draft of the plan, which has been drawn up by the North York Moors National Park Authority and Ryedale District Council.

The aim is to make sure that four out of every ten houses built will be affordable housing strictly for the people of Helmsley and the neighbouring parishes.

Suggestions have also been made that the town needs more care homes to meet the needs of the over 55s.

Helmsley Town Council chairman Chris Parkin welcomed the plans and said the town council had been consulted throughout the drawing-up process.

“It is definitely a plan which is worth consulting on and we would like people to respond to it,” he said. “We have covered a lot, but there may be something that we have missed. I am sure that the town council as members will make their views known as well during this consulation period.”

Councillor Parkin also welcomed the decision to include Elmslac Road in the town’s conservation area, particularly because it won a social housing award during the 1950s. He said: “We were quite anxious to preserve and conserve that.”

Caroline Skelly, planning officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said the views of the public would be taken into account.

“The proposals set out in the plan will enable Helmsley to continue as a thriving market town and community,” she said.

“It will allow the town to grow to meet local housing and employment needs, but without harming its distinctive character. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to give their views last summer and assure people that these comments have been carefully considered in this final version.”

Residents have until 5pm on August 2 to submit comments. The plan can be viewed at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk or at the North York Moors National Park Offices, Helmsley, and Ryedale House, Malton.

An open day will also be held on Thursday, July 4, from 2pm to 6pm and on Friday, July 19 from 10am to 3pm. For more information, phone Caroline Skelly on 01439 772700.