A CONTROVERSIAL homes and offices scheme in Northallerton has been given the go-ahead.

Approval came despite a warning that three-storey elements "could ruin the town."

And members of Hambleton District Council's development control committee were also told not to be influenced by suggestions that any delay in the application could hit local jobs.

The committee agreed to a Pilcher Homes plan for 14 flats and two office units at the site of JSW and Son Coachbuilders in the High Street.

As part of the scheme, JSW aims to move to a site on the Darlington Road industrial estate.

A decision on the scheme had been deferred amid councillors' concerns over access and possible over-development of site.

Planning officer Lydia Spiller said the applicants felt access was satisfactory and had highways authority approval. To address worries about three-storey designs, oriel windows would replace balconies to avoid overlooking neighbouring homes.

Northallerton town councillor Paul Law said the council backed residents' objections about being overlooked.

"Changing to windows does not alter that," he said. "We favour development here but this is over-development."

Objector Mr Parkin said the layout, scale and density did not meet criteria and that the number of homes was above acceptable levels.

Applicant Robert Pilcher said: "We have considered traffic and density. Many homes would be occupied by retired or elderly people who would not have cars. We could have had 22 flats here but we did not go for this. We think we have met policies 100pc."

And he warned: "A delay or worse could jeopardise JSW's move and therefore jobs. We are buying land from the council at Darlington Road and that scheme is dependent on this."

Coun David Murkett said: "Three-storey homes are going to become the norm in Northallerton. If you are not careful you are going to ruin the town."

Coun John Coulson was still concerned about over-development.

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