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22
May
Major housing scheme at Dishforth set to go-ahead despite public outcry
Almost 100 homes look set to be built at Dishforth despite widespread opposition.
Residents have fiercely opposed Caddick’s plans for 98 homes on 18 acres of land at Topcliffe Road. North Yorkshire Council received 130 objections and one expression of support for the scheme.
You can read an article about their concerns here.
However, Martin Grainger, head of development management at North Yorkshire Council, has recommended councillors on the Skipton and Ripon planning committee approve the application when they meet on June 2.
Mr Grainger’s report, which you can read here, reveals how the council’s lack of an up-to-date local plan leaves it almost powerless to refuse developers.
Local plans outline where land is allocated for development.
The land at Dishforth is not earmarked for development in the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, but Mr Grainger says that plan is “no longer valid” because it is more than five years old.
He adds the district is now required to build 5,492 homes over five years, which equates to 1,046 a year — far more than set out in the old plan.
North Yorkshire Council is developing a new local plan, but it is not expected to be ready until 2029.
Mr Grainger’s report says this means there is a “presumption in favour of sustainable development” and there needs to be a “strong reason for refusing the development proposed”.
Referring to the Dishforth project, he concludes: “There are no policies within the framework that would provide a strong reason for refusal.”
It means if councillors reject the proposal, there is a risk of Caddick winning a costly appeal.
Dishforth Parish Council’s objections included lack of services, such as GP surgeries, flooding and the “inappropriate” use of high-grade farmland.
Dishforth Residents Group said it represented a “disproportionate scale of development” and criticised Caddick’s consultation exercise.
The application to build on four fields, which are used for farming and equestrian, was submitted in October 2025. After amendments, a second consultation was carried out this year.
Mr Grainger’s report accepts the development “would initially cause major-moderate localised harm to the character of the area” and that there is “no guarantee” that a proposed shop will materialise.
A design and access written on behalf of Caddick said the site was a “suitable location for 98 new homes”.
It added:
The delivery of the site can create a high-quality new neighbourhood within Dishforth. The site is an opportunity to provide much-needed new homes in North Yorkshire supporting the existing local facilities within the village and providing opportunity for new facilities for the benefit of existing and future residents of Dishforth.
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