PLANS to build 150 houses on green belt land have been criticised, with objectors claiming it should be turned into public parkland.

Developers want to build a total of 481 homes on two neighbouring sites, at Castle Hills and Yafforth Road, in Northallerton.

Yuill Homes has lodged a planning application for 331 houses on the former York Trailers site, in Yafforth Road, while Taylor Wimpey is seeking permission for 150 homes on the green belt land at Castle Hills.

The proposed development at Castle Hills is dependent on the Yafforth Road site being granted planning permission, as this is the only way to gain access.

Northallerton and District Local History Society is objecting to the plans.

Society secretary John Sheehan said the Castle Hills site should be preserved, because of its historical importance to the town.

He added: "We believe there is no justification for changing Castle Hills from its status of green wedge, outside the defined development limits of the town.

"It is an important landscape feature, offering vistas over a wide area, as far as the Pennines in the west and the North Yorkshire Moors in the east.

"If the site is no longer needed for farming, it should be gifted to the town as parkland to be enjoyed by all.

"Although it was cut in half by the railway, Castle Hills is still an important site from a historical point of view. We would like to see it protected."

Nigel Bell, land director for Yuill Homes, said: "Yuill Homes and Taylor Wimpey submitted a planning application for a residential development on the site, known locally as Castle Hills, in January.

"We both have a track record of careful planning and expertise when considering areas for development.

"In the case of Castle Hills, we have taken full archaeological advice, have a specialist consultant and have also been in discussions with the county archaeologist. Proposals for development on this site are limited to areas which are not archaeologically sensitive and also intend to improve the access to the monument for local people."

Mr Sheehan said the developments could cause traffic problems in Northallerton. He said: "Most households have at least two cars these days, so there could potentially be an extra 800 or 900 cars on the road in Northallerton."

A spokesman for Hambleton District Council said: "We have received the local history society's comments. We are encouraging the views of local people on both planning applications."

Members of the public can comment on the proposals until Wednesday, May 16. The applications are expected to be considered by the authority's planning committee in May or June.

For more information, visit hambleton.gov.uk.