Plans for the change of use of a six-bedrooom house to a five bedroom house of multiple occupation have been refused.

An application for the large, three-storey, end of terrace dwelling, on Langton Road in Norton was considered by Ryedale District Council's planning committee.

A report said the property occupies a large, long plot which runs roughly east to west. The property is close to the main highway, but set slightly back behind a small front amenity area. There is no existing off-street parking at the site.

"The applicants originally sought permission for up to 10 occupants, but have since confirmed that they wish to apply for a maximum number of eight occupants.

Norton Town Council were consulted and recommended refusal, due to lack of parking. 

Eight Objections were received in response to the initial consultation, outlining the following concerns: - insufficient parking in the area: increase in vehicles will exacerbate parking difficulties along the road, insufficient space for parking potentially five vehicles at the property, particularly at busy/school drop off and pick up times; could reduce the available parking for residents; parking at the junction of The Ridings and Langton Road already an issue. - Highway Safety: Property is located on a busy junction at the apex of a bend; children crossing between parked cars.

One letter of support was received in response to the initial consultation, raising the following points.

"There are major shortages of suitable accommodation for skilled workers employed in local businesses – the proposed change of use will create an increase in available accommodation for individuals who are struggling to find accommodation, which is becoming more difficult to obtain.

 "The occupants will spend their salaries locally and support other local businesses; without suitable accommodation they will need to travel and live elsewhere, and will not support the Norton economy in the same way. This input into the economy can only be classed as a positive for all and lead to continued success for the Norton/Malton area."

Recommending refusal, a planning officer said: "In the absence of adequate on-site parking, the proposed development would be likely to result in additional vehicles parked outside the site on the County Highway. This would be to the detriment of the free flow of traffic and road safety. The proposal would add to the existing congestion which is experienced in this location, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day by virtue of the on road parking narrowing the carriageway to one-way working."