Confusion surrounds the future of a controversial scheme to build 127 homes after developers said there are issues with the plans.

The project by Yorvik Homes at Hill Top Farm, Leyburn, was eventually approved after a three-year process, despite objections from many residents who warned the site is unsuitable for a large estate.

An update on social media last week announced work would be starting on the scheme in 2024, however that was quickly taken down.

Matthew Garth, managing director of Yorvik Homes, told the Darlington and Stockton Times: “There are issues that are still outstanding and until those are sorted I can’t comment further. We are hopeful of a positive outcome.”

Darlington and Stockton Times: The layout of the planned housing site in Leyburn

Local resident Andrew Culf, one of more than 50 people who objected to the development, said: “Yorvik Homes need to come clean about their intentions. This application went through an exhaustive three-year planning process, and stringent conditions were imposed when it was approved.”

He claimed Yorvik was “renegotiating those conditions under a cloak of secrecy” but this was refuted by Mr Garth, who said: “No meetings have taken place between planning officers and Yorvik Homes regarding planning conditions submitted at the planning committee last February.

“Solicitors are working on the legal planning agreement currently.”

The contentious scheme was approved at the last meeting of Richmondshire District Council’s planning committee before the authority was abolished to be absorbed into the new North Yorkshire Council.

While councillors agreed getting onto the site on foot was far from ideal they said the scheme was a much-needed development with its 30 per cent affordable housing.

The plans are the largest scheme for new homes in Leyburn for decades and include a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties, with 22 bungalows. Of the 127 homes, 28 would be available as discounted first homes to buy and ten will be designated as affordable homes to rent.

Mr Culf said: “The scheme was hugely controversial because the site is totally unsuited to a housing estate of 127 properties. It has poor road and pedestrian access, the land is subject to flooding and local health services are already stretched to breaking point. No wonder Yorvik are struggling to bring the site forward for development.”