Residents in Masham are calling on North Yorkshire Council to reject plans for 46 homes on greenfield land off Swinton Road.

The application, submitted in September 2022 by Loxley Homes Ltd, proposes the construction of 46 houses on fields to the north and south of Swinton Road, along with a new access, open space and drainage infrastructure. 

On Wednesday (February 11), Masham locals launched a petition to reject the latest version of the plan. 

So far, it has only received 22 signatures but the application itself has attracted 47 public comments on North Yorkshire Council's planning portal, 44 of them objections.

Campaigners say the development would mean the permanent loss of agricultural land currently used for grazing cattle. This is part of Masham’s working rural landscape and once built on, they argue, it would be gone for good.

They also warn of conflict with neighbouring livestock operations. Farming brings lawful noise, odours and machinery movements and residents fear new housing could put pressure on established rural businesses.

Highway safety is another issue. Swinton Road is a rural route used by agricultural vehicles. Objectors say 46 homes would bring a sharp rise in traffic, congestion, pedestrian safety and vehicle conflict.

There are concerns, too, about construction disruption, light pollution and the gradual erosion of Masham’s rural character.

Residents acknowledge the need for sustainable development, but insist this site, and this scale, is wrong.

They are urging North Yorkshire Council to refuse the application and protect Masham’s greenfield land and rural identity.

Currently, the scheme remains registered and a decision is expected by Friday, February 27.

As this is a live planning application, North Yorkshire Council declined to comment.