PLANS for a 500-home development on the outskirts of Malton were out on public display for the first time at the weekend. 

The Fitzwilliam Malton Estate is proposing to develop a 21-hectare site between Castle Howard Road and Middlecave Road, with the A64 forming the western boundary.

A computer-generated ‘fly through’ of the development, which will include detached, semi-detached and terrraced homes, along with accommodation suitable for the over-55s and affordable housing, was available for visitors to view.

Concerns raised included traffic flow in and out of Malton, school provision and how local doctors’ surgeries would cope with the increased population. The proposed development, which will be put to Ryedale District Council in the near future, has yet to be named, and suggestions were invited at the consultation.

Architect Jan Maciag said: “This will not be the usual type of housing development. The brief I was given was to put forward a high-quality site, which would enhance and be an extension to the existing town of Malton.”

Master planner Leon Krier, who designed Poundbury near Dorchester in Dorset added: “This new development has been planned to complement Old and New Malton.”

Estate manager Roddy Bushell said the event had been very well attended, non-stop all day. “The consultation achieved its objective – to inform and encourage ideas for inclusion in the development plan,” he said.

“Jan Maciag’s designs shown in a captivating ‘fly-through’ were warmly received by most people.

Mr Bushell said: “Concerns raised at the consultation focused on traffic flow in and out of Malton, school provision and how local doctors’ surgeries would cope with the increased population. There were some good points raised about the demand for single- storey accommodation, lack of children’s play area and “overlooking” of neighbours in some areas. The design team will now be put to task to answer those questions.”

Information boards will be at 12 Market Street for the next week. Mr Bushell said: “This proposed development is not just another large housing estate. While the application for outline consent will be for the whole area, so the community can assess the full effects of the proposals over time, the intention is to build this slowly over eight years.

“This will mean the impact of the development will grow in sequence with Malton’s infrastructure.”