Keyland eyes Pickering consent

North Yorkshire Council is expected to approve 150 homes put forward by the developer at its planning committee meeting this week.

Seeking outline consent at this stage, Keyland’s site is a 12.3-acre parcel of agricultural land located outside of, but adjacent to, the northern development limits of Pickering, on the eastern aide of Whitby Road.

Planner Spawforths and architect Tate + Co lead the professional team for Keyland, a team that also includes 3Adapt, Brooks Ecological, Brookbanks, Andrew Moseley Associates and SLR.

The officer report for members said that “in normal circumstances the principle of development would not be supported” due to where its local plan looks to direct new housing – but as the council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the tiled balance will come into play.

Officers said: “A balanced decision must therefore be made weighing the adverse impacts of the development against the benefits, taking into account sustainability, effective use of land, securing well designed places and providing affordable homes.”

Although outside of Pickering’s “development limits” the site is directly adjacent, and is thus considered a sustainable settlement as identified in the Ryedale Local Plan.

Officers reported that the site is large enough for the scheme, and the requisite level of affordable housing is proposed – policy dictates 35%. The suggested access is acceptable, and officers are satisfied any concerns can be addressed through conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

Pickering Town Council is an objector.

The plans from Keyland, the property arm of Yorkshire Water parent group Kelda, can be seen in full on the North Yorkshire Council planning portal, Ryedale section, reference ZE25/00416/MOUT.