CONCERNED residents have launched a petition against plans to build more than 90 homes in one of the most picturesque parts of Norton.

Gladman Developments has submitted an application for land next to Auburn Cottages and north of Sutton Grange, in Langton Road.

The properties would be a mix of one to five-bedroom houses, 35 per cent of which would be affordable homes, on the 4.5-hectare site.

However, people living close to the site have set up a protest group Norton Against Gladmans (NAG) with a petition calling on planners to reject the application.

Jeremy Powell, who owns the Palace Cinema, in Malton, said the group was continuing to get overwhelming support from people living in the area. He said: “We are currently looking at many objection issues regarding this site.

“We believe it will have a detrimental impact on the landscape value of Langton Road, it will have a detrimental impact on the listed buildings and surrounding landscape, yet another loss of a greenfield site, impact on current local amenities, traffic issues, water supply, sewerage, education and health provision, etc.

“We also have many, many more concerns which we are currently looking in to.”

Gladman said it proposes to develop the site within five years and said the new homes will enable people to access the housing market locally rather than being forced to move away due to a lack of available housing. The application is expected to be discussed by Ryedale District Council’s planning committee in the next couple of months.

To view the plan, go to your-views.co.uk/norton

For more information on the campaign, email jeremy@flpyork.com