The Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Planning Committee of East Riding of Yorkshire Council met on Thursday 20 June 2024 to discuss several planning applications and local development issues. Key decisions included the approval of a new housing development in Norton and the rejection of a commercial development in Thirsk.

Housing Development in Norton

The committee approved planning application 22-00102-FUL for a new housing development in Norton. The development will include 50 new homes, with a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. Councillors discussed the potential impact on local infrastructure, including schools and healthcare services. Proponents argued that the development would provide much-needed housing and economic benefits to the area. Opponents raised concerns about increased traffic and pressure on local services. Ultimately, the committee decided in favour of the development, citing the council's commitment to addressing the housing shortage.

Commercial Development in Thirsk

The committee rejected planning application ZE24-00344-FUL for a new commercial development in Thirsk. The proposal included the construction of a retail park with several large stores. Councillors expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on local businesses and the character of the town centre. Councillor Paul Convery stated, The proposed development could undermine the vitality of our town centre and lead to the closure of small, independent shops. The decision was made to reject the application, aligning with the council's previous statements on supporting local businesses and preserving the character of town centres.

Updates on Previous Applications

The committee reviewed updates on several ongoing projects, including ZE23-00437-FUL and 22-00102-FUL. These updates included minor amendments to the plans and progress reports on construction timelines. No significant changes were made to these projects, and the committee noted the updates without further action.

Public Participation

Several local residents attended the meeting to voice their opinions on the discussed applications. John Brown and Sarah Goodman presented their concerns about the Norton housing development, focusing on traffic congestion and environmental impact. Their written submissions can be found in the Brown and Goodman documents.

For more details, the full agenda and reports are available in the Public reports pack.