The location for Maltkiln was identified through the Local Plan process led originally by Harrogate Borough Council and subsequently confirmed by North Yorkshire Council.
A wide range of potential options were considered through the Local Plan process, and it was concluded that a single new settlement was the most effective way to meet housing needs while limiting cumulative impacts on multiple villages across the district.
A key factor in selecting this location was the opportunity to focus growth around Cattal railway station, supporting a development that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport alongside necessary highway improvements. The location also enables the delivery of a comprehensively planned settlement, rather than piecemeal expansion of existing villages, helping to retain their individual identities through the designation and protection of a strategic green gap.
The location, boundaries and scale of Maltkiln have since been defined by North Yorkshire Council’s adopted Development Plan Document (DPD).
Maltkiln is planned as a self-contained new settlement, providing significant amenities that meet day-to-day needs. These include two primary schools, a secondary school, early years provision, healthcare facilities, a local centre with shops and community uses, a sports hub, playing fields, extensive public open space, and green and blue infrastructure.
Feedback from previous consultations has emphasised the importance of the timely delivery of these facilities.
The masterplan establishes clear locations for key uses. As indicated in our infrastructure delivery plan, essential infrastructure has been planned to come forward alongside new homes, and as the project progresses.
Facilities will be designed to be accessible both to future residents and, where appropriate, to existing neighbouring communities.
The lack of safe crossings is a recognised existing issue. A range of options, including bridges, underpasses and signal-controlled crossings, is being assessed to provide safe, accessible, and convenient routes for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Safe crossings are not optional or deferred elements. Their delivery will be secured early through the planning process, and in accordance with our infrastructure delivery plan - with all designs subject to Road Safety Audits and highway authority approval.
Crossing locations are now shown indicatively on the Masterplan Framework to provide clarity and reassurance.
Transport integration is a central element of the masterplan. Extensive traffic modelling has been undertaken to assess impacts on the A59 and surrounding road network, including future growth. This modelling informs the design of new junctions, highways improvements and mitigation measures.
These improvements include the provision of two new roundabout accesses, junction improvements to the Whixley crossroads, and new link road to the B6265. Collectively, these measures will significantly enhance the local transport network by improving connectivity and safety.
Cattal station is a central part of the plans, with improvements to walking and cycling access and extra parking to meet the needs of existing users and future residents. All rail-related works will be developed in agreement with Network Rail and the relevant operators.
Parking provision at Cattal Railway Station is being planned to support both existing users and those travelling from the new Maltkiln development. The intention of Maltkiln is to ensure that current levels of access are not only maintained but improved, with additional capacity provided to accommodate increased demand.
Parking delivery will be coordinated with Network Rail, train operators, and the highway authority. The developer will fund and facilitate the agreed solution as part of the wider scheme, ensuring access to the station is maintained and improved.
The Council’s Local Plan and adopted Development Plan Document for Maltkiln requires the use of a Strategic Green Gap to prevent coalescence between Maltkiln and surrounding villages, including Green Hammerton, Kirk Hammerton and Whixley. The masterplan follows the boundary set out in the DPD and does not extend development into protected areas.
The green gap will be actively managed with planting, landscaping and public access where appropriate, ensuring it functions as both a physical separation and a community asset.
Heritage assets, including conservation areas and listed buildings, have informed the masterplan framework.
Further feedback from Historic England supports the approach taken, with detailed design, scale, and landscaping controls to be developed at the planning application stage to minimise effects on rural setting and historical significance.
Environmental considerations are integral to the proposals. The outline planning application is supported by an Environmental Statement assessing impacts on ecology, landscape, flooding, drainage and climate resilience.
Surface water will be managed through Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) designed to control runoff more effectively than existing agricultural land and to protect downstream areas. Flood risk assessments are informed by modelling and will be refined further as detailed designs develop.
Green and blue infrastructure corridors, biodiversity net gain, habitat protection and long-term management arrangements are all embedded within the masterplan framework and will be secured through future planning approvals.
Foul drainage and wastewater management will be delivered in agreement with Yorkshire Water and relevant regulators.
The development will not proceed unless sufficient wastewater capacity and treatment solutions are approved. These arrangements will be secured through planning conditions and statutory approvals, with phasing controls ensuring infrastructure is provided before occupation.
Surface water drainage will be managed separately through SuDS, limiting runoff and reducing flood risk compared to existing conditions.
North Yorkshire Council consulted on the draft Masterplan Framework in January 2026. Feedback from this consultation has informed revisions to the framework, including clearer identification of crossings, facilities and infrastructure requirements.
Caddick has now updated the planning application material to align with the adopted Masterplan Framework.
A revised planning submission has been made following formal adoption by the Council’s Executive.
Development cannot begin until full planning permission and the necessary technical approvals are in place. Given the scale of the infrastructure required, including roads, drainage, schools and utilities, this process is expected to take time.
As a result, development will be subject to phasing controls to ensure that key infrastructure is delivered in line with housing occupation.
Any compulsory purchase process would be led by North Yorkshire Council, not the developer. The Council has agreed only to the principle of compulsory purchase where land assembly is required to deliver strategic infrastructure or ensure a comprehensive, policy-compliant development.
Compulsory purchase would be considered only as a last resort, following unsuccessful attempts to reach voluntary agreements, and would be subject to legal tests and public scrutiny.