AN application for 38 new houses in the village of Slingsby has been submitted to Ryedale District Council’s planning department.

At a meeting of the planning committee tonight, councillors will be presented with the application by Castle Howard Ltd and the Cundill family for the new homes on a 1.75ha site east of The Balk.

Currently, the application is for outline planning permission only - this would grant permission in principle, with details still required to be decided on by the authority at a later date.

The planning department’s report said: “This area is relatively open in character, with a gentle sweeping rise of land in a southerly direction to the B1257.

“The site currently comprises two parcels of agricultural land used for grazing purposes, which are separated by a hedgerow boundary that contains a prominent, mature sycamore.”

It added that the site is located within the Slingsby Conservation Area.

The applicants’ design statement said: “The site will deliver a mix of housing types and sizes including two, three, four and five bedrooms.

“The proposals create a development that not only respects the site and its surroundings but also creates a high-quality development in this location that enhances the character of the area.”

Planning officers are recommending that members undertake a visit to the site before coming to a decision.