Maltkiln is a proposed major new settlement near Cattal railway station, planned to deliver at least 3,000 homes and potentially up to 4,000. The scale of the scheme would introduce a new community of over 8,000 residents only a few miles from Wetherby, with significant implications for local services, roads, and cross‑boundary planning.
Better Wetherby is monitoring the project closely and has previously lodged formal objections.
Latest update: July 2025 – A fresh, nearly identical planning application has been submitted by Stockeld Park / Hallam Land Management
Residents are urged to comment via the North Yorkshire planning portal, or email: planningcomments.har@northyorks.gov.uk, by the deadline of 27th July 2025 quoting the reference 25/02006/OUTMAJ.
Maltkiln Village, Cattal
Proposed Development.
Quick Links
Documents & References
Better Wetherby’s View
Our Position
Better Wetherby views the Maltkiln proposal as a huge, high‑impact development that risks placing intolerable strain on Wetherby’s infrastructure and services.
BW argues that the scheme, positioned just 10–15 minutes from Wetherby, will funnel thousands of additional cars through already‑congested roads, worsen air quality, and overload schools, healthcare services, and parking capacity.
We continue to call for proper cross‑boundary consultation between North Yorkshire, Harrogate (previous authority), Wetherby, and Leeds, which has often been lacking.
Key Issues & Evidence
Planning Context
Proposal ranges from at least 3,000 to potentially 4,000 homes depending on plan iteration. Revised Development Plan submitted 27 March 2024; examination by an independent Planning Inspector expected in late 2024.
Highways & Transport
Expected 4,500–5,000 additional cars based on projected development scale. Local roads already congested, with A59 pinch points noted. Limited public transport: infrequent train service, limited bus options, single‑track rail constraints
Environment & Ecology
Large‑scale impact on rural landscape and green separation between villages. Risks increased emissions and decreased air quality, with Wetherby already affected by through‑traffic
Community Impact
Wetherby’s doctors, dentists, and schools already overstretched; secondary pupils already bussed to Harrogate. New settlement marketed as relying on Wetherby services, yet no full impact studies provided.
What this development involves
Number/type of homes: Minimum 3,000; up to 4,000 in updated proposals.
Developer: Caddick Group
Location: Cattal
Key features: New settlement for ~8,000 residents. Centre around Cattal railway station. Proposed local amenities, open spaces, possible schools and healthcare (per later external reporting).
Status: Full application submitted July 2025; open for public comment.
Timeline of events
Jan 2026
North Yorkshire Council invites public feedback on the draft Masterplan Framework for Maltkiln.
Nov 2025
North Yorkshire Council adopts the Development Plan Document (DPD). The developer (Caddick Group) begins preparing the updated masterplan and planning documents for submission.
Oct 2025
21 October 2025 – North Yorkshire Council Executive receives the Inspector’s Final Report. Inspector concludes DPD is sound subject to Main Modifications. Recommendation made to adopt the DPD.
Spring 2025
10 February – 24 March 2025 - Public consultation on the Main Modifications to the DPD (Regulation 19 stage). Documents include policy map changes, sustainability appraisal updates, and HRA modifications.
Jan 2025
Additional Modifications (non‑soundness corrections) published, covering factual, formatting, and policy clarification updates.
Late 2024
Independent examination expected.
Sept 2024
17–20 September 2024 (with reserve dates 24–27 Sept) - Public Examination Hearings held at the Civic Centre, Harrogate, led by Inspector Clive Coyne. Morning and afternoon sessions over multiple days.
May 2024
Public Consultation event at Kirk Hammerton Village Hall.
Mar 2024
27 March 2024 – The New Settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan Document (DPD) is formally submitted to the Secretary of State for Examination. Public consultation announced
Dec 2023
BW raises concerns about revived 4,000‑home proposal.
2023
Harrogate District Local Plan continues to apply until replaced by a future North Yorkshire Local Plan (a multi‑year process). North Yorkshire Council approves and submits its draft Maltkiln DPD to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Nov 2022
BW submits formal objection to outline application to Harrogate Borough Council.
2022
Local Government reorganisation; Harrogate Borough Council is merged into the new North Yorkshire Council unitary authority. North Yorkshire Council takes over.
2020
Competing Green Hammerton / Kirk Hammerton merger proposal falls away.
Caddick updates outline planning application to align with the emerging DPD.
2018
Cattal station area selected as preferred site (min 3,000 homes).
Flaxby promoters legally challenge the Local Plan; challenge fails; Cattal remains the chosen site
2016
Harrogate Borough Council’s Local Plan process identifies the need for a major new settlement and begins location selection.