A HOUSING developer has promised to invest almost £1m in community projects if its proposal for a 183 home development is approved.

The bid to build homes on farmland at White House Farm in Stokesley is due to go before Hambleton District Council’s planning committee on Thursday (June 26).

The plans have proved controversial in Stokesley, where the parish council met recently to discuss the new proposal and voted to formally object to the development.

Parish Council chairman, Councillor Andy Wake said: “It’s less affordable housing being offered; it’s 32 per cent and the district council had a target of 50 per cent.

“It’s the size of the development as well. We decided the size of the development is unsuitable for the size of a Georgian market town.”

Cllr Wake said members were also concerned about the extra traffic the site would generate and potential flooding. Dozens of residents have lodged their objections with Hambleton District Council.

It is Northumbrian Land’s second proposal for the White House Farm site. Hambleton District Council refused outline planning permission for a housing and business development at the site last year as Northumbrian Land only proposed to build 15 to 20 per cent as affordable homes.

At the time the council wanted almost half the homes to be affordable to meet a local housing shortfall. Hambleton’s decision was upheld by a planning inspector when the company appealed against the refusal.

A spokesman for property consultants GVA, which is dealing with the plans on behalf of Northumbrian Land, said they had been in consultation with the council over the level of affordable homes.

Spokesman Tom Baker said the site was earmarked for 213 homes, but it was proposing to build 183 homes and allocate green space to the north of the site to be dedicated to a community space. He said they would also allocate £80,000 to the creation of the Stokesley and Great Ayton cycleway.

“Whilst we’re providing 32 per cent affordable housing, we’re also providing nearly £1m in other benefits which the district council has chosen. Hambleton council could have asked for 50 per cent affordable housing, but they have said instead they would rather more money for open spaces. We have contributed almost £1m towards open spaces and a new cycle path.

“There’s a large field to the north of White House Farm which will be converted into a town-wide recreation area. It’s an open space which could be community allotments or play area which will be available to the whole town.”