Planners recommend 290 new homes for Whitby

A major scheme to build almost 300 new homes in Whitby is set to be given the go-ahead later this week.

Property firm Keyland Developments wants to transform the 23-acre site at Broomfield Farm into a 290 housing development in a move that could create 800 jobs.

Scarborough Council’s planning committee will meet on Thursday when they will be asked to give the hybrid application for 290 homes the green light.

The vacant site covered by the application sits close to Stainsacre Lane, between Whitby and Scarborough, Eskdale Park and Whitby Business Park.

The greenfield land is located next to Yorkshire Water’s operational sewage treatment works.

Keyland Developments is a sister company of Yorkshire Water.

Originally, the neighbouring Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary and a local farmer had both also opposed the plans, but have now withdrawn their objections, after the developer agreed to make changes to the proposals.

Whitby Civic Society, while not formally objecting, has written a letter to Scarborough Council asking for more affordable homes to be part of the plans.

The application would see 30% of the homes classed as affordable, with the civic society preferring a 40% target.

Whitby Town Council has objected as it fears the site is too close to the sewage plant saying it is an “inappropriate development”.

The new development would “cater for different housing providers” Keyland says, including “self and custom build, community land trust housing, later living housing, small to medium-sized housebuilders and volume housing builders”.

Scarborough Council planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved.