PLANS to build five five bedroomed houses on the site of a house and day nursery have been turned down by planning inspectors.

An appeal was made after Hambleton District Council refused planning permission for the development which would involve demolition of an existing detached dwelling and neighbouring former children's nursery on land at Stockton Road, just outside Thirsk town centre.

Developer John Swales appealed against the decision arguing that the three storey homes by virtue of their size would be capable of providing for multi-generational, or ā€˜3-Gā€™ living, which would allow middle-aged people to look after their elderly parents. The original applications was made in August 2018, planning was refused in November 2019.

The council argued that the plot is a windfall site which is not earmarked for development and their policy is to ensure proposals for new housing on all allocated and windfall sites, irrespective of size, provide a mix of dwellings to meet the needs of all sections of the community and promote social cohesion.

They argued a survey in 2011 found 76 per cent of people wanting to move within the following two years were looking for two or three bedroomed dwelling.

The developer was supported by a local agent who contended there is a current need for larger, executive housing in Thirsk and data being used by the council was almost 15 years old and out of date.