Frequently Asked Questions

Why are new homes needed in Pickering?

There is an identified need for new homes across  the North Yorkshire area, including affordable homes for local people. Providing a range of new homes can help meet the needs of different households, including first-time buyers, growing families, downsizers and older residents wishing to remain within the local community.

The proposals would help contribute towards meeting local housing needs in a sustainable location, supporting the area’s long-term growth and vitality.

What are you consulting on at this stage?

This pre-application consultation provides an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to review the proposals and share their views before a planning application is submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

What happens next?

Following the consultation, feedback will be reviewed and considered by the project team. Where appropriate, the proposals may be refined before a planning application is submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

The Council will then undertake its own formal consultation process before determining the application.

When will a planning application be submitted?

A planning application will be submitted following public consultation during Summer 2026. The planning application will be publicly accessible on North Yorkshire Council’s planning portal.

How long would construction take?

Should planning permission be granted, construction is anticipated to take around 3years.

Further details on the construction programme would be provided at a later stage.

 

New Homes

What types of homes are proposed?

The proposals include approximately 100 new homes, comprising a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties.

The homes would be designed to appeal to a wide range of people, including first-time buyers, families, downsizers and older residents.

How many affordable homes are proposed?

The proposals include 35% affordable housing. Affordable homes can help address local housing needs by providing opportunities for eligible households who may otherwise be unable to access suitable housing within the area. The homes are usually made available to people from the local area first.

Will the homes be energy efficient?

Yes. The homes would be built to modern building regulations and energy efficiency standards. The proposals will include a range of low-carbon technologies, such as air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels, helping to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and household running costs.

How can I go about enquiring about purchasing a home?

Information will be made available in due course, should planning permission be granted.

 

Public Open Space and Landscaping

What public open space is proposed?

The proposals include new public open space integrated throughout the development and the landscape strategy would provide attractive green areas for both new and existing residents.

What will happen to the existing pond?

The current proposals include the retention and enhancement of the existing pond. The pond would provide both ecological benefits.

 

Ecology and Biodiversity

What ecological surveys have been undertaken?

Ecological assessments are being undertaken to understand the habitats and species present on the site. These surveys help inform the design of the development and identify any measures needed to protect and enhance biodiversity.

Will the development improve biodiversity?

Yes. The proposals are being designed to deliver at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. This would be achieved through a combination of habitat creation, landscaping and the purchasing of off-site credits from a local habitat bank.

 

Highways and Transport

Will the development increase traffic?

A Transport Assessment is being prepared to assess the potential impact of the development on the local highway network. The assessment will be submitted as part of the planning application and any necessary mitigation measures identified through the assessment would be incorporated into the proposals.

 

Drainage and Flood Risk

Will the development increase flood risk?

A detailed drainage strategy will be prepared to ensure that surface water is appropriately managed and that the development does not increase flood risk elsewhere. The plans include an attenuation tank to the south west of the site as a mitigation measure.

 

Construction

How will construction impacts be managed?

Should planning permission be granted, construction activities would be managed through appropriate controls and management plans. These typically include measures relating to working hours, construction traffic, noise, dust management and site safety.

 

Local Services and Infrastructure

Will local schools and healthcare services be affected?

The planning application will consider the impact of the development on local infrastructure and services. Where required, contributions may be secured through the planning process to support infrastructure improvements.