A CONTROVERSIAL homes scheme at Romanby, Northallerton, is still in the balance.

Members of Hambleton District Council's development control committee yesterday agreed to defer a decision on a plan for 99 homes at Romanby.

Councillors were worried about aggravating the area's flooding problems and the three-storey design of some of the units.

The application - which was recommended for approval by planning officers - will go back to developers Barratt York on these issues.

But other fears were expressed about the safety of the one access on to Ainderby Road and the density of the scheme.

The meeting heard that North Yorkshire County Council is planning a series of traffic-calming measures along Ainderby Road and that the site density meets government criteria.

Expressing concern about the flooding potential, council leader June Imeson said: "I can't vote for this until the flooding issue has been properly addressed.

"I won't let us stand up and be counted again if there is more flooding in this area."

* Residents make their protest: page 11.