Maltkiln: Fears that development of 4,000 homes near Leeds could cause more traffic misery in Wetherby

North Yorkshire Council is in the process of securing permission to build the 'new town' of Maltkiln around Cattal Station, which is a seven-and-a-half mile drive from Wetherby.

As the plans gradually move forward, Wetherby councillors and residents have raised concerns that the plans could create further strain on the "already congested roads, parking spaces and inadequate public transport services".

North Yorkshire Council is still considering whether to issue a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to buy farming land on the site to allow developer Caddick Group to build the homes and a 100-page document that outlines how the new settlement could be developed has been sent to the secretary of state.

Harrogate Borough Council worked on the development plan document (DPD) for several years before handing it over to the unitary authority due to local government reorganisation.

The development is being advertised as a suitable place for Leeds commuters to live