Residents in Ryedale are protesting against plans for an 86-home development on their doorsteps.

Pickering homeowners say plans by Persimmon Homes for a development on land off Goslipgate will be an eyesore and increase traffic congestion.

Residents have gained the backing of their town council, which has written to Ryedale District Council planners expressing their concern. But as the area has been set aside for development in the district's local plan residents fear the plans will be adopted at next week's northern area planning meeting.

Stuart Harrison, vice-chairman of Pickering Civic Society, says the development is right on the doorstep of his home, a listed building.

"The main concern is the design of the proposed houses, which residents and the civic society feel is not in keeping with the area," he said.

"They are also proposing to build mainly four-bedroom houses - there are no plans for bungalows, even though there is a need for affordable housing in the town." Resident Alan Smith, of Otter Drive, said his main objection was that the development would increase traffic congestion.

"They are also planning to create a through road running past the estate - we fear this may attract boy racers into the estate," he said.

Pickering town councillors have written to Ryedale planners expressing concern about the increase in traffic and other issues. "The town council has concerns arising from the number of four-bedroom houses on the site," says a report to district planners.

Ryedale planning chiefs have not made a recommendation to councillors, but intend to leave the matter to be decided at next week's meeting, which will be held on Monday, at Ryedale House, Malton.

Updated: 10:29 Thursday, June 28, 2001