RESIDENTS are opposing plans for a housing development for a third time due to concerns over flooding.

A proposal for eight homes on a triangular area of land between Springfield Garth and Lakeside Way in Norton has been submitted to Ryedale District Council by Thomas Crown Associates Ltd.

Two previous applications - one for 18 properties and a second for 23 homes - on the site have previously been rejected by Ryedale District Council’s planning committee.

Elizabeth Moss, who lives in Lakeside Way, said: “We have precious little areas where our children can enjoy the rich diversity of nature. Lakeside is one of those areas. The area around the lake is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Building on that relatively small, virtually inaccessible piece of land would indeed impact on both natural and human life.”

Councillor Di Keal, a member of Norton Town Council, said: "I am dismayed to see a third application on this site as all the residents objections to the first two bids.

“Flood risk would be further increased by the development on the site which would inevitably mean that there would be less natural drainage possible. New properties on the development would be very vulnerable to flooding. I trust the planners at Ryedale District council will take careful note of the genuine concerns of local people.”

A spokesperson for the applicants said: “The proposed scheme will bring a redundant brownfield site in a sustainable location back into use to provide homes for local people.

"The reasons for refusal of the previous application have been overcome. We have worked with the Environment Agency to develop a solution which will provided additional flood storage that will benefit the surrounding area and will ensure that new properties will not flood.”