North Yorkshire News

Major 3,000-Home Garden Village Planned Between Harrogate and York

Plans for a major new community between Harrogate and York are continuing to develop as the proposed Maltkiln garden village moves through the next stage of planning.

The project, centred around Cattal railway station, could eventually deliver at least 3,000 homes, along with schools, shops, green spaces and community facilities designed to support a new self-contained village.

Developers say the vision is to create a sustainable garden settlement, rather than a large housing estate, where residents can live, work and access services locally.

A New Community Around Cattal Station

The proposed site sits just south of the A59, one of the main routes linking Harrogate and York. Its location around Cattal station is seen as a key part of the project, giving future residents direct rail connections to Harrogate, York and Leeds.

The development would also sit close to the existing villages of Kirk Hammerton, Green Hammerton and Cattal, placing it within an already established rural community area.

Planning documents describe the intention to create a well-connected settlement with strong public transport links, encouraging residents to rely less on cars and more on rail, walking and cycling.

Schools, Shops and Community Facilities

The masterplan outlines a wide range of facilities intended to support daily life within the village. Proposed amenities include:

Two primary schools and a nursery
A local centre with shops, cafés and healthcare services
Sports and health facilities
Large areas of green space and parkland
A network of walking and cycling routes

Developers say the aim is to ensure the village grows with the infrastructure it needs, helping create a balanced and sustainable community.

Transport Improvements

Transport improvements are also part of the long-term proposals. Plans include the potential removal of some level crossings on the Harrogate–York railway line to improve rail reliability and safety.

Improving connections between the new village and nearby towns will be a key part of the development as it progresses.

Planning Progress and Challenges

The Maltkiln Development Plan Document (DPD) was formally adopted by North Yorkshire Council in November 2025, setting out the planning framework for the new settlement.

More recently, a detailed masterplan framework was presented to the council’s executive in March 2026 following public consultation.

However, the project has also faced complications. In 2023, a major landowner withdrew land that made up around 42% of the proposed site, which could lead to the council considering the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to secure the remaining land needed.

Some councillors have also called for further work on the plans before the masterplan is fully adopted.

A Long-Term Vision for North Yorkshire

If the project goes ahead, Maltkiln will be developed in stages over several decades. While planning work is progressing, most construction is expected to take place after 2035, with the full project potentially spanning up to 30 years.

Supporters say the development could play an important role in helping meet rising housing demand across North Yorkshire, while creating a carefully planned new community between Harrogate and York.

Once complete, Maltkiln could become one of the largest new settlements in the county, transforming the area around Cattal into a major new residential and community hub.

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Harrogate Celebrates North Yorkshire’s First ‘Tiger Crossing’ After 10-Year Campaign

Harrogate has unveiled North Yorkshire’s first-ever “tiger crossing” — a major milestone for walkers and cyclists after more than a decade of campaigning.

The new parallel crossing has been installed on Oatlands Drive at Slingsby Walk, beside the 200-acre Stray and close to St Aidan’s High School. Designed to give priority to both pedestrians and cyclists, the scheme aims to make one of the town’s busiest school routes significantly safer.

Delivered by North Yorkshire Council at a cost of £150,000, the project follows years of pressure from local active travel supporters, including Harrogate District Cycle Action.

What Is a Tiger Crossing?

A tiger crossing — officially known as a parallel crossing — combines a traditional zebra crossing with a clearly marked cycle lane running alongside it.

Like a zebra crossing, it features black-and-white stripes and flashing Belisha beacons. But unlike standard crossings, cyclists can ride across without dismounting, with motorists required to give way to both cyclists and pedestrians.

Supporters say the change is particularly important near St Aidan’s High School, where large numbers of pupils travel on foot or by bike each day.

A Long-Fought Victory

Campaigners had pushed for safer crossings in the area for more than 10 years. After delays of around two years, the completed scheme is being hailed as a breakthrough for active travel in the town.

A spokesperson for Harrogate District Cycle Action said the new crossing finally gives clear priority to those walking and cycling, improving safety on a road that sees heavy traffic, especially at peak times.

More Improvements Nearby

The project also includes a recently installed toucan crossing on the A661 Wetherby Road at the eastern end of Slingsby Walk, near Harrogate District Hospital. Together, the two crossings strengthen links between residential neighbourhoods, the school, the hospital and the Stray.

For many residents, the tiger crossing is more than new road markings — it signals a shift towards safer, more sustainable travel in Harrogate.

And campaigners hope it’s just the beginning.

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A Must-Visit Dining Experience for Harrogate & North Yorkshire Food Lovers

If you enjoy discovering exceptional places to eat across Harrogate, Ripon and North Yorkshire, this is one destination you’ll want to explore next.

The Old Deanery has quietly become one of the region’s most talked-about fine-dining restaurants – and national recognition now confirms what locals are already saying.

Recently named in the Harden’s Top 100 Best UK Restaurants, this elegant Jacobean mansion overlooking Ripon Cathedral offers far more than just a meal.

Why It’s Worth the Journey from Harrogate

✔ Award-winning dining

Featured in Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurants
Three AA Rosettes
MICHELIN Recommended

✔ A truly different experience

Dine your way through a historic Jacobean building
Each course served in a different characterful space
A guided journey through history and flavour

✔ A chef worth following
At the helm is Head Chef Adam Jackson, whose refined, modern approach has earned praise as “the North’s next culinary obsession.”

The Tasting Menu: More Than Just Dinner

The signature evening tasting menu is designed for guests who enjoy slowing down and savouring the moment.

Seasonal British ingredients
Innovative techniques with elegant presentation
Carefully curated drink pairings
Eight beautifully balanced courses (£95 per person)

One standout highlight, according to diners?
Sea bass with a delicately spiced jalapeño sauce, paired with sparkling Japanese sake – a combination described as “simply amazing.”

Prefer daytime dining? The Old Deanery also serves lunch and afternoon tea, perfect for relaxed visits to Ripon.

A Jacobean Mansion with a New Chapter

Taken on by family-owned Layton Hill Hotels in 2021, The Old Deanery was reimagined as an exclusive-use venue before evolving again in November 2023 into a luxury restaurant with rooms.

Today, it offers:

Refined dining in a historic setting
Boutique overnight stays
A standout destination for celebrations, escapes and special occasions

Planning Your Visit

Opening times at a glance:

Wednesday: From 12 noon (drinks & hotel stays)
Thursday – Saturday: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening tasting menu
Sunday: Traditional Sunday lunch
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays

🎄 Christmas closure: 22–26 December
✨ Reopens: Saturday 27 December
🥂 New Year’s Eve: Special celebratory tasting menu on 31 December When closed, the team can be contacted via email.reception@theolddeanery.co.uk Explore More of North Yorkshire’s Best Dining

Whether you’re planning a special occasion, a weekend escape, or simply love uncovering the best restaurants near Harrogate, The Old Deanery is a destination that rewards curiosity.

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Fire Service Incident summary – Day shift Saturday December 27th

Published 27th Dec 2025

08:33 Ribston Park, Little Ribston

Knareseborough crews responded to investigate a smoke alarm activation in a domestic property. After inspection crews confirmed this was a false alarm caused by cooking fumes.

09:15 Horseman Close, Copmanthorpe

Acomb crews responded to assist care staff with gaining entry to a domestic property. The elderly occupant had suffered a fall and carers were unable to get in as the key was still in the locked door. Crews managed to gain entry and allow care staff access to the occupant who was not injured.

10:05 York Fire Station

York crews assisted a member of the public who turned up on station with a ring stuck on their finger. The crews used a ring cutter to safely remove the ring.

10:19 Brigg Lane, Camblesforth

Selby crew attended a a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a hybrid vehicle. No people were trapped. Crews carried out a thermal scan of the car battery, cleared up a coolant spillage on the roadway and winched the vehicles to a safe location off the road. Incident was left in the hands of Police.

12:08 Poplar Crescent, Romanby.

Northallertyon crews investigated a domestic smoke alarm activation. This turned out to be a flat battery signal not an alarm activation. Crew refit some alarms and gave advice to the occupier.

13:04 Cambridge Street, Harrogate

Harrogate crews responded to a report of an outdoors waste bin issuing smoke. On arrival crew confirmed that the minor fire had been extinguished prior to their arrival.

14:41 Wetherby

Crews from Tadcaster and Knaresborough were requested to assist at an incident in West Yorkshire. This was a false alarm and no action was taken by our crews.

16:01 Wetherby

Crews from Tadcaster and Knaresborough responded to a request from West Yorkshire to assist at a possible residential fire. This was confirmed to be a false alarm and was dealt with by West Yorkshire prior to North Yorkshire arriving.

17:05 Thorpe Willoughby

A crew from Selby are currently on their way to a fire in the open affecting bushes to the rear of some properties. This incident is ongoing at the time of publication

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Keep up to date with the latest North Yorkshire news, featuring breaking stories, local updates, community highlights, and snippets of interest from across the county.

Hall Lodge – A beautiful Georgian home with private walled gardens in the heart of Boroughbridge is now on the market for under £1 million. This period property combines classic Georgian architecture with a prime central location, offering privacy, character, and easy access to local amenities. Ideal for buyers seeking a prestigious North Yorkshire home, the property is attracting strong interest in the current luxury housing market.

11, HALL SQUARE, BOROUGHBRIDGE, YO51 9AN
Ripon 7.2 miles, Harrogate 11 miles, Thirsk 12.4 miles, York 18 miles
(distances approximate)
A UNIQUE FOUR BEDROOM GEORGIAN RESIDENCE POSITIONED
IN THE CENTRE OF BOROUGHBRIDGE OFFERING FABULOUS
EXTENDED ACCOMMODATION PERFECT FOR FAMILIES.
Accommodation
Ground Floor – Entrance into the reception hall/Snug • Sitting/Dining room
Breakfast kitchen • Utility room • W.C.
First Floor – Principal bedroom with dressing area and ensuite • 2 double
bedrooms • House bathroom
Second Floor – Bedroom and dressing room with a range of built in storage
Externally
Walled garden • Gated driveway •Oak-framed garage • Lawn and courtyard

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