COUNCILLORS have given the green light to a housing estate on a former garden centre in Ryedale.

Permission has been granted for 17 new affordable homes at the site of Moorside Nursery on Piercy End in Kirkbymoorside.

At a meeting of the planning department of Ryedale District Council last night, it was stated that the properties will only be available to local residents who will have the chance to take up shared ownership.

A handful of nearby residents had objected to the development, claiming it wouldl have an impact on the sewage system and road safety.

Speaking at the meeting, Jim Shepard from the Yorkshire Housing Association said it was the first of a number of applications in the Ryedale area to provide affordable homes for young people and families.

He said: “Two of the properties are being built specifically for disabled residents. Due to changing market conditions I cannot say how much the homes will be sold for, however rents will range from between £89 and £71 a week.”

Coun Jane Wilford welcomed the development near the centre of the quiet market town.

She said: “I’m pleased to see an application made for social reasons and the provision for housing for the disabled. Ryedale needs affordable housing for young people who want to live and work in their local community.”