NORTHERN Ryedale is set for almost 300 new homes with two developments in Helmsley and Pickering.

Last week, housebuilder Barratt Developments Yorkshire East announced that it is soon to launch its new 239-home development called Heather Croft, in Whitby Road, Pickering.

The company said that it will invest more than £32.3 million in the development of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes.

It added the development, which was first granted planning permission in July 2018, will create 86 jobs in a number of disciplines, from construction trades such as bricklayers, electricians and landscapers through to head office support positions.

Daniel Smith, managing director of Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to contribute to the local economy in Pickering and support a wealth of jobs across the region.

“We’re excited to be creating Heather Croft and are committed to investing in and supporting our local tradesmen, and look forward to working with them over the next 12 months to build even more quality homes.”

The housebuilder also drew attention to its environmental record.

During 2018, 84,420 trees and shrubs were planted or retained on developments and 97 per cent of construction waste was recycled.

A further 7.2 hectares of greenspace was created through publicly-accessible open space and private gardens, equivalent to around 273 tennis courts.

Other housing developments in the district have also taken steps forward recently.

Last week, a meeting of Helmsley Town Council received the Ryedale District Council decision notice on a Yorkshire Housing development in Helmsley.

This development of 46 new houses and bridge for the 1.8ha site at Riccal Drive was discussed at a meeting of the district authority’s planning committee back in May 2018.

At that time, the committee, which was broadly supportive of the plan, agreed to delegate the final decision to planning officers “subject to the completion of a section 106 agreement in respect of affordable housing provision”. The decision notice was issued on February 1.

The development itself includes seven four-bedroom homes, 33 three-bedroom homes and six two-bedroom homes as well as the bridge across Spittle Beck.

It will contain affordable housing provision as well as an off-site contribution of £187,000.