IT seems to me that the real opportunity presented by High Malton is to build a sustainable community as a natural extension to the town that offers homes built on a human scale, with materials which reflect and respect Malton’s heritage – and creates employment and other opportunities for existing and new residents.

That’s why, in our outline application, we have made provision for business start-up units, for homes of different kinds, including those starting out on the housing ladder, those designed for growing families, and those embarking on retirement, and why our plan envisages large areas of green space and an extensive network of footpaths linking with existing local schools, shops and other nearby facilities.

All that being said, it might surprise your readers to learn that I believe Ian Conlan, of West Malton Residents Group, raised some valid questions about the proposed development in his letter to you published July 9.

At this stage we are seeking outline permission, so it is simply not possible to respond to the detail.

It is, however, worth reminding ourselves that under the terms of the Local Plan 1,500 houses will be built in and around Malton over the next few years: no ifs, no buts.

They will bring more traffic and will create the need for better traffic management and for better facilities of all kinds including schools and health care.

However, given that homes need to be built, why not seize this golden opportunity for Malton to do it well and in a way which can enhance the overall well-being of our community?

This estate’s commitment to Malton has been unbroken for 300 years and will continue.

We look forward to working with those, like Mr Conlon, who care about the way the town changes and grows as it adapts to the 21st century.

Share our vision: and let’s work together to make it happen.

Tobias Burckhardt, surveyor, Fitzwilliam Malton Estate