A RYEDALE councillor is set to call for zero new development in Malton and Norton until 2027.

At a meeting of Ryedale District Council tomorrow (Thursday) night, independent councillor Paul Andrews will move a 10-point proposal designed to end any new development in the towns - beyond that which is already planned - and instead lift restrictions on village developments in order to “take the pressure off Malton and Norton and other towns”.

The reasons behind the motion include the extra traffic congestion in the towns likely to be generated by the imminent increase in the number of trains using the Norton level crossing, as well as from planned new developments, and the impact of that traffic on air quality within Malton’s air quality management area.

In addition for calling for the end to new residential and employment development in the towns, the proposal also calls for the expansion of development land in villages to accommodate “60 per cent” of all new development until 2027.

It also suggests that the land which has been allocated for development at the council’s headquarters at Ryedale House be de-allocated, and that the other development for Malton and Norton which already exists is contingent on “a four-way intersection with the A64”.

It adds: “Members will see that the above proposals will not stop the allocation of sites already identified, but will protect Malton, Norton and other towns from any major developments which may come forward after the land currently identified is exhausted.”

The current Ryedale Plan outlines local development for the period 2012 to 2027. Tomorrow (Thursday) night, councillors will discuss the newest site allocation plan.