PLANS have been lodged to create 64 houses and apartments on the site of a former military hospital.

Outline planning permission is being sought to build properties on the former hospital site north of Heatherdene Road in Catterick Garrison.

The development would involve creating a mixture of two, three and four-bed homes, as well as one-bedroomed apartments on the brownfield site.

The area of land formed part of a military hospital from 1929 and it was redeveloped as a builder’s yard in the early 1980s, but has lain derelict for many years.

According to plans submitted to Richmondshire District Council, vehicles would access the site along Heatherdene Road, which would be improved to cope with the increased traffic.

An ecological survey of the site recommended further surveys to assess the impact of the development on any local bat populations and whether it will impact on their ability to roost or forage for food.

It also recommended further surveys to see if the site was used by great crested newts - a species protected by law.

North Yorkshire County Council said it would seek £217,500 from the developers towards primary education facilities, based on the proposed density of homes on the site, but would not be seeking contributions towards secondary school facilities.

One local resident has objected to the proposed development, saying people in Catterick Garrison already struggle to access services.

She wrote: “Nearly every single person in Catterick Garrison already struggles to get doctors’ and dentist’s appointments because there are not enough services to support the number of people in the area.

“My daughter has gone without treatment for a month now and is suffering. I am currently without pills I need. I haven’t seen a dentist in four years.

“Schools are struggling to cater for the number of children they get every year... an increasing number of children getting lesser and lesser quality education.

“We do not need more houses. We do not want more houses. We need services. We need improvements.

“We need a better bus service. And come to think of it, we’d actually like to keep some green space too.”

The plans, submitted on behalf of applicants Burhani Properties, will go before Richmondshire council’s planning committee at a later date.