RESIDENTS of Norton and Malton are to have their say on a controversial neighbourhood plan for the two towns.

A five-week consultation process starts on Friday, despite concerns from members of Norton Town Council over their lack of input to the project.

Initiated by a group of individuals, including five members of Malton Town Council and one Norton councillor, the draft Neighbourhood Plan aims to set out what developments the majority of those who live and work in the area would like to see for the future.

Last month, Malton councillors agreed to pay £6,500 towards a planning consultant to enable the plan to go out to public consultation before it is formally adopted by the two town councils and put forward for consideration alongside the Ryedale Plan.

At their monthly meeting, Norton councillors only agreed to support the plan providing there was more representation from the town, deferring a decision on any financial contribution.

However, a consultation has now been organised by a planning consultant on behalf of Malton and Norton town councils which starts on Friday.

Norton’s deputy mayor Coun Di Keal said the plan should not have been taken to the consultation stage before it was revisited and revised by representatives from both town councils.

“As well as the inaccuracies and omissions, my main objection to the plan is that is has not been developed in a correct fashion to represent a balance opinion across the towns of Malton and Norton,” she said.

“It has not even taken into consideration the views of Norton Town Council – except one member – even though it tries to give the impression that it is a joint town council document.”

Coun Keal added that the plan was made up of the views of a local lobby group and as such could not be viewed as an independent document or representative of the views of Norton Town Council.

She said: “In its planned consultation exercise – with the associated costs that are being funded by the local tax-payer – it is duplicating the consultation exercise that is already being undertaken by Ryedale District Council on the Local Development Framework.”

Mayor of Norton, Coun Paul Farndale, said despite their reservations the consultation was now going ahead and it was important local residents had their say.

He said: “We have to do something as, particularly with planning matters, the decisions are out of our hands and the district council does not take into account our views.

“This is not just about the town councils it is for everyone interested in their town to come and have a look and have their say.

“Too many people leave it to others but now everyone has the chance to put forward their views and get more involved in what happens across the two towns.”

Planning consultant Kathryn Jukes, from Directions Planning Consultancy, said: “Neighbourhood plans are part of the Government’s vision to implement the Big Society which gives local communities powers to determine their own future.

“Preparing a Neighbourhood Plan for Malton and Norton is an exciting opportunity for those who live and work in the towns to tackle certain issues head on.

“The document will also help residents and businesses shape future development in the two towns and set out the basis on which development can be acceptable.”

Coun David Lloyd-Williams, a member of the group which initiated the plan and Malton and Norton town councillor, said people would be asked to give their opinions rather than being presented with a series of questions.

He said: “It is very important people take part in this local discussion and what they would like to see in the two towns.”

Mike Skehan, clerk to Malton Town Council, said: “We would also like to see residents and businesses come along and discuss issues in Malton and Norton at the exhibitions which will be held throughout May and early June.”


How can you get involved in the neighbourhood plan?

HOW can you get involved in the consultation.

Complete a questionnaire

A questionnaire has been prepared which asks what you think about the future of Malton and Norton. A copy can be collected from and returned to any one of the following distribution points: Malton – Hoppers, Market Place; Hope Central, Castlegate; Fine Food Theatre, Market Place; Morrisons; Malton Library; Spar Shop, Highfield Road; Sainsbury’s Local, Newbiggin. Norton – Lidl supermarket, Welham Road; Corks and Cans Off Licence, Commercial Street; Norton Town Council offices.

Double decker bus exhibition

Go along to one of the exhibitions which have been arranged. There will be someone to talk to, the opportunity to pick up a questionnaire, and express your views on a number of site specific issues. The exhibitions will be held: 10am-3pm on Saturday, Friday, May 13 and Friday, June 3 in the Market Place, Malton; 1pm-6pm on Thursday, May 26, in the car park to the Derwent Arms, Norton.

Attend one of two public meetings

There are two public meetings where you will be able to hear more about the consultation and ask questions of the two town councils. The meetings are at: 7pm on Monday, May 9, at Milton Rooms, Market Place, Malton; 7pm on Thursday, June 2 at Norton Town Council Offices, Commercial Street, Norton.

Visit the website

Go to www.mn-np.org.uk. The questionnaire can be completed online, along with the site specific questions.