MAJOR plans that could transform business and housing in Malton look likely to get approval this week.

Ryedale District Council has called an extraordinary meeting of its planning committee on Thursday, August 21 to decide on four linked applications that will put a new livestock auction and business centre on the outskirts of the town, and build 300 new homes.

The applications have all been submitted by landowners the Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation, working with Malton and Ryedale Farmers Livestock Market Company, who will run the new market. They have all been recommended for approval by planners, who say the schemes will help fulfil the area's need for more jobs and more housing.

If approved, the business site will include a new headquarters for the Ginger Pig meat company, after the company drew out of plans to put their operation on York Road industrial estate.

The plans also include a new roundabout on the Edenhouse Road and A169 junction.

In a report to the planning committee, officials said the development could create 800 full-time jobs in the region over the next ten years, and attract up to £20million in investment, and the combination of new business premises and building jobs created while the houses are under construction would contribute greatly to strengthening the district's economy.

The largest of the three proposed housing developments - for the former Malton showground on Showfield Lane - would see 227 houses built on the grass field sandwiched between the town and a new Taylor Wimpey development on Broughton Road.

It has support from the council's economic development and planning departments, but has been objected to by the town council worried about the stress the new homes will put on roads, drains and sewers in the area.

Both the other two housing developments are on a smaller scale and would see 35 houses built on a site near Westgate, Old Malton; and 50 affordable homes - with between one and four bedrooms - built near Peasey Hills to fulfil the affordable housing requirements for all three sites in one location.

Another major housing scheme for 500 new homes on the other side of the town was submitted by the Fitzwilliam Estate in July, and is currently awaiting a decision from the district council.