Tadcaster: Anger over 400-home plan for green space

Objectors said unused shops and brownfield sites should be used to create new homes in the town

A public meeting will be held later to discuss plans to build 400 new homes in Tadcaster on land which is part of a flood plain.

Objectors claim the proposed site by the River Wharfe was not earmarked for building in any council strategy.

The Tadcaster Greenbelt Protection Group (TGPG) said derelict houses in the town should be utilised first.

Builder Gladman Developments Ltd said its plan would reverse a "chronic" lack of housing choice in the area.

An outline planning application for the proposed Eleven Arches development of 410 new homes was submitted in 2023.

However, TGPG raised concerns about the plans.

"A lot of angry people are going to be at the Tadcaster Town Council meeting," said spokesperson Peter Grasby.

"We want to know whether the council is in favour of building on greenfield sites which are part of a flood plain.

"Housing is needed but should not destroy the beautiful ecosystem by the river."

The plans include 410 homes and public open spaces

Mr Grasby said brownfield sites were originally identified for housing in the local plan, which outlines future developments, in 2022, but it had not been adopted by North Yorkshire Council.

A spokesperson for the authority said Tadcaster faced "a challenging time for housing", but people had been encouraged to comment on the outline planning application.

Katherine Putnam, from the developer, said only 27 homes and two affordable homes had been built in Tadcaster since 2011.

She said it meant an ageing population, young families leaving and high house prices.

"We're bringing forward a sustainable and considered plan aimed squarely at reversing those trends."

She said the plans would contain 40% affordable housing and would help "address a chronic local shortage".

Ms Putnam added the built development was in a Flood Zone 1 area "identified by the Environment Agency as areas of low flood-risk".