PLANS to build 225 homes in Kirkbymoorside have been given the go-ahead.

The development, on land at Westfields, includes 15 five-bedroom, 44 four-bedroom, 90 three-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom properties along with associated landscaping, public open space, highways improvements and allocation of land for use for Kirkbymoorside Primary School.

The site has a long planning history with concerns raised by residents and town councillors since an outline application to build 210 homes, which included affordable housing and 50 apartments for older people, was made in 2012.

A revised scheme was rejected by Ryedale District Council (RDC) in February 2014. However, an appeal was launched which was allowed following a public inquiry in November 2014.

Outline plans were resubmitted in 2017, which have now been approved, subject to conditions.

Kirkbymoorside Town Council had raised concern about access to the site from the A170, while 21 local objections were received by RDC, including the number of houses, infrastructure capacity and lack of local employment.

However, members of the planning committee were told that as outline planning permission had already been granted, the council was not in a position to object in principle to the development.

The developer, Countryside, said the first plots would available to buy from next month.

Christopher Penn, regional operations director, Partnerships Yorkshire, Countryside, said: “We are delighted to be officially launching our Manor Woods development here in Kirkbymoorside.

“We have a proven track record right across the country for delivering high quality and affordable homes where we’ve identified demand and we’re

eager to bring this experience to Yorkshire.

“We’ve worked very closely with the council throughout this process to ensure the new Manor Woods neighbourhood not only provides beautiful family homes, but leaves a positive legacy for the wider community here in Kirkbymoorside.”