A MAJOR homes development in Northallerton - taking in a special needs unit - has been given the go-ahead.

Hambleton development control committee yesterday agreed to the scheme for 75 homes on the site of the former prison gardens.

But members insisted on a number of conditions being imposed.

These include a limit to the number of trees being removed for an access road and safeguards against flooding.

And they praised people who have lived in the area for the way they have maintained the landscape and gardens.

The development by Broadacres Housing Association and Yuill Homes is on land at Knotto Bottom and Cotcliffe Avenue. Access will be off a cul-de-sac on Valley Road.

There will be 38 houses for sale on the open market, 37 for rent and eight single bedrooms in the single-storey special needs unit.

Planning officer Lydia Spiller said the scheme incorporated a cycleway linked to the town and open play space.

A flood control device would limit surface water run-off.

In a revised plan, green space along Valley Road would be maintained and the position of some bungalows changed after concerns from residents about loss of privacy.

A spokesman for the residents of Valley Road said people had no objection to the development but were worried about access, the impact of the bungalows and possible loss of an avenue of trees.

Ward councillor John Coulson said the revised plans meant the cul-de-sac would stay private.

"This is an important site for Northallerton, but more so for the people who live around there," he said, calling for long-term landscaping to be incorporated.

On flooding risks, he warned that all aspects of drainage must be addressed before development began.

Coun David Murkett said residents had shown that an area could be cared for and beautified and he backed their calls for this to be taken into account.

"Northallerton needs this development, but please address the rights of the people to keep a pleasant area," he said.

Coun David Smith agreed. "The residents have done a superb job in caring for this site," he said.

Members insisted that an outline agreement for the removal of two trees only should stand - and not a proposal for six trees to go.

Coun Coulson also wants an agreed commuted sum for £48,600 for play areas to involve provision of equipment.

He said a new line-up at Northallerton Town Council could see a shift in previous policy of not taking responsibility for open spaces.

"There are 75 homes going up here and surely we could look at putting in some play equipment," he said. "If the town council has a change of heart on this it could be considered."

The council's head of development control, Maurice Cann, said he could not give assurances there would never be any flooding in the area.

But he said: "Development will only take place after a full drainage scheme has been applied and after full reports from the various authorities.

"We have a high-level meeting coming up with Yorkshire Water and this will be looked at very carefully."