A MAJOR scheme to build 283 homes on the outskirts of Northallerton needs to be perfect locals warn to avoid it been a disaster for the town.

A joint bid for the former York Trailers site, off Yafforth Road, has been put forward by both Yuill Homes and Wimpey UK.

Hambleton District Council is looking at the plan which is at an early stage but its planning meeting was told on Thursday, September 16, that the scheme need to be right.

Councillor John Coulson, a member of the district and Northallerton Town Council, spoke as a member of the public.

He said: "We have a golden opportunity here on one of the largest sites in Northallerton and I think we could get more out of this.

"This area could create an estate completely separate from Northallerton and a lot of people will go for their shopping elsewhere although some will come to Northallerton.

"There are so many things to look at before we grant permission for this and we can take more time looking at how we can benefit the town."

The planning committee were also concerned about a path from the estate which crossed the East Coast Mainline which runs alongside the site.

They are keen to see a condition created to make sure that the railway line is barred off from the estate.

The councillors took on board Coun Coulson’s comments and the railway line concerns but a motion to defer a decision on the scheme was defeated.

The plans were approved by the council with eight votes in favour to two against.