Developers hope to start work on ‘massive’ estate this year

Developers behind the Middle Deepdale scheme are finalising details before an outline planning application is submitted to Scarborough Borough Council, probably within the next month.

It is hoped that work on the first phase of the long-awaited project, which has been mooted for more than 15 years, will begin in the autumn if planning permission is obtained.

But councillors have raised fears that the development could be affected by the aftershock of the recession, which has hit the construction industry particularly hard.

A report to the council’s corporate strategy overview and scrutiny committee revealed that members had expressed reservations about the massive development “at a time of economic downturn and increasing unemployment”.

But the council’s portfolio member for housing, Councillor Jonathan Dixon, stressed that the construction industry is certain to see a resurgence during the 15 years which the Middle Deepdale development is expected to take to complete.

Coun Dixon added: “To get an actual planning application formally submitted will be a massive step forwards for the middle Deepdale development.

“I think everyone would agree that progress has been slow, but this will be a landmark in the process once the application is in.

“The development is hugely important to Scarborough, not just to help solve affordable housing problems but for the wider economy as well.”

The Middle Deepdale scheme will see North Yorkshire’s largest housing estate at Eastfield dramatically increase in size with more than 1,300 homes being built.

The council has set a target to build 12,000 properties across the borough by 2026 – and the Middle Deepdale project is fundamental to achieving this.

The National Housing Federation has warned of a growing crisis in affordable housing – as the average property price in the Scarborough district is now more than £159,000 while the average income is just £16,500.

But concerns have been expressed that the Middle Deepdale scheme would create a “monster estate” within a community already desperate for services and amenities.

Coun Dixon maintained that the local infrastructure would undergo a massive upgrade to cope with the additional housing, with proposals including a new western relief road between the A64 and the A165.

Senior council officers have stressed that the scheme is of “major strategic importance” to help the future economic growth of Scarborough and the regeneration of Eastfield.

A study undertaken by consultants in 2005 identified the need for Scarborough’s population to grow from 60,000 to 80,000 to boost enterprise and ensure the town is able to build its reputation in the regional economy.

The housing development is earmarked for a site next to Scarborough’s industrial estate and business park

This is considered ideal because of its proximity to direct links to the A64, A165 and Seamer railway station.

About 500 jobs could be created during the building period and ongoing site maintenance.

The borough council’s skills and employment team is also working to create as many as 100 apprenticeships through the scheme.

The project is being overseen by a partnership dubbed K2 Regeneration involving Kebbell Developments Limited and Keepmoat.

The managing director of Kebbell Developments Ltd, Nick Kebbell, confirmed that a planning application is imminent.

He added that it is hoped that work will start by the end of the year if councillors give the go-ahead.