MALTON and Norton town councillors are to hold further meetings before agreeing to sites for future development.

Both town councils have been asked to put forward areas for housing as part of Ryedale District Council's public consultation on the local plan.

However, Norton mayor Councillor Ray King said at a joint meeting of the two councils concerns had been raised members over the existing infrastructure, congestion and flooding issues.

"There are issues in both towns which need addressing before any decision can be made," he said.

"In Norton we have the issues of flooding, drainage and sewage, which have arisen again recently, while Malton facing growing congestion and needs further access to the A64.

"There are a lot of issues to overcome and we need further information from the relevant authorities."

Coun King said one proposed housing development for Beverley Road had increased from 500 houses to 650.

"This is considerably higher with about 2,000 extra people adding a third to our total population and at the moment we don't have the amenities or facilities to cope with that."

Councillor Hugh Spencer said they were back to the old issues of infrastructure, schools and roads.

"It is time the authorities had a proper debate on new developments rather than letting them through with a nod," he said.

Councillors agreed to invite the officers from North Yorkshire County Council and a representative from Yorkshire Water to meet both town councils in regard to infrastructure.

Ian Conlan, on behalf of West Malton Residents Group, which has raised concerns about future housing developments said: "Roads in Malton continue to become more congested and polluted with the traffic from Broughton Manor, and will continue to worsen with new housing on the Pasture Lane site.

"Residents objections to traffic, air pollution, and the impact on the AONB of building North or South of Castle Howard Road still stand.

"I am delighted that councillors have listened to concerns about traffic and the character of the area, flooding and sewage. It is also right that the two councils work together to hold Highways and Yorkshire Water to account, and only put forward sites that have the support of residents and councillors alike."