The planned new town for the Harrogate district could have up to 4,000 homes — 1,000 more than previously indicated.
The town, called Maltkiln, will be based around Cattal train station and is likely to have a higher population than that of Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge combined. But its precise size has yet to be determined.
The Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place, said the new settlement would provide ‘at least 3,000 homes’.
Most coverage since has referred to the 3,000 figure but a new press release by property developer Caddick Group, announcing plans to consult with residents, says the site could have ‘up to 4,000 homes’.
Cattal station
Asked to clarify the number, Caddick said in a statement to the Stray Ferret that its outline application in 2019 also referred to ‘up to 4,000 homes’, adding:
“There are advantages of a larger settlement in terms of its ability to deliver and sustain a range of new infrastructure such as schools, shops and healthcare facilities.
“Our proposals would deliver new homes at a similar rate to that envisaged in the Local Plan but over a longer period of around 25 years.”
Caddick is consulting with residents and stakeholders before submitting updated proposals for Maltkiln to Harrogate Borough Council, which will determine the number of homes permitted.
The developer is holding a public exhibition at Green Hammerton village hall on Monday next week. It is also mailing leaflets to more than 1,000 properties in the area and has created an online portal for consultation responses.
Read more:
- Council faces calls to hold in-person Maltkiln consultation events
- ‘Green gap’ will protect villages from 3,000-home Maltkiln scheme, says council
Besides the new homes, Caddick’s plans include a local centre with retail, community and health facilities, two primary schools and employment space, centred on Cattal station.
It said:
“Maltkiln will offer a wide range of housing types for sale and rent, including family homes, starter homes, affordable homes, and homes for older people.
“This wide mix of residents means that the new homes would have differing occupancy levels, but based on a completed settlement of up to 4,000 homes we estimate there could be between 8,000 and 10,000 residents.
“This would help to address the acute shortage of housing of all types within the area and it is important to note that if outline approval is given, it will still be several years before development can begin and the population will then grow gradually in phases.”
Land in Cattal earmarked for development
It said its plans would provide “safe and convenient walking and cycling routes”, which will reduce the reliance on cars and “financial support for new and extended bus routes”.
Caddick added:
“The proposals include new bridges over the railway line and the removal of level-crossings, which will also allow for operational improvements on the Leeds-Harrogate-York railway line.
“Improvements are also earmarked for the A59, replacing dangerous junctions.”
Chris Procter, from Caddick, said:
“We’ve carefully considered the feedback provided to date and arrived at proposals we believe will address an acute need for housing in this part of North Yorkshire, whilst incorporating a raft of community, transportation, and environmental innovations which we believe will make Maltkiln a great place to live and work.
“We have worked with residents and stakeholders from across the region for a number of years and are very encouraged by the way the Maltkiln development has taken shape to date.
“Being a company with its roots in the immediate area, we are truly committed to bringing an exceptional scheme to life and this latest round of community consultation holds the key for helping us do just that.”
Preparation for Maltkiln began in 2018, when Gillespies, supported by Cushman & Wakefield and Vectos, was commissioned by Harrogate Borough Council to develop a concept framework for the delivery of a new settlement within the broad location.
