ALMOST 200 new homes could be built in Catterick Garrison if outline plans are approved as part of a pilot scheme between a district council and the Ministry of Defence to release land to developers.

Three separate planning applications will be considered by Richmondshire District Council planning committee on Tuesday, including developments of 25, 40 and 130 homes.

All three schemes have been brought forward on behalf of the council for sites currently owned by the MoD, as part of the public land auction pilot run by the Department of Communities and Local Government.

The pilot scheme aims to release surplus public sector land for housing development as a means of stimulating the economy.

The applications will be looked at for suitability with the view of marketing the land to a private developer to draft a detailed proposal for development.

The plans for a site with up to 40 houses at Somerset Close, off Gough Road near Catterick Leisure Centre, include a play area and extra drainage works.

The site covers 1.15 hectares of land which has previously been used as a storage depot by the MoD.

A further 25 homes are being proposed on land towards the western end and on the southern side of Gough Road, just to the east of Plumer Road.

Objections have been raised in regard to this plot about the risk of flooding; the loss of a woodland walk enjoyed by horse riders and dog walkers; the over-population of the area and the effect the extra houses will have on the roads.

The largest of the three sites with a possible 130 homes is between the garrison and Colburn, situated on land at Arras Lines and Sour Beck, with access from Horseshoe Close, York road and Mons Road.

This site would also include a play area, and as the other developments, would consist of smaller two and three bedroom starter homes with 30 per cent affordable housing.

Colburn Town Council said the A6136, which is the main road from Colburn to Catterick Garrison, is a ”major concern” as it is already congested due to other housing developments underway.

Councillors said the congestion would remain a problem while various developments took place and would be “hugely inconvenient for residents and businesses.”