PLANS to build 79 homes on the edge of Norton have been rejected by Ryedale Council District (RDC).

Gladman Developments has submitted an application for land next to Auburn Cottages and north of Sutton Grange, in Langton Road.

The properties would have been a mix of one to five-bedroom houses, 35 per cent of which would have been affordable homes.

Members of the council's planning committee, who voted unanimously against the application, raised concerns over the location of the development, congestion and impact on the sewage system. They also felt it would have a detrimental effect on the local horse racing industry.

The plans had been opposed by Norton Town Council and several residents in the area, who had set up a protest group Norton Against Gladmans (NAG) as well as RDC's conservation officer.

Thirty-six letters objecting to the scheme have been sent to Ryedale House highlighting drainage problems, building in open countryside and the primary school, which they say is already at capacity.

A representative of the horse racing industry also said there are 600 racehorses in the Malton and Norton area which use Langton Road to reach the gallops, adding that there is already conflict between the ridden horses and traffic in the area.

In a report to the planning committee, officers said the development offered an unacceptable level of harm to the setting and significance Sutton Grange Barn, which is a listed building.

Ken Fisher, one of a number of concerned residents, who had launched a petition against the plans, said he was delighted they had been rejected.

"There is already a tremendous amount of traffic in the area with the school nearby and to generate any more would make it far too busy for children, as well as the racehorses who use the route," he said.

"When these plans are put forward there is no allowance for the extra services people will need such as schools and the doctors' surgery plus the sewerage system must be at full capacity by now.

"There comes a point when enough is enough and the town cannot cope with anymore.

"We were very pleased the way the council took the recommendations to heart and rejected the application as they all agreed it was a no-go area."