A MAJOR housing and employment development in North Yorkshire’s county town will be one of the projects to benefit from the government’s growth deal funding.

The North Northallerton Development Area - which is set to deliver up to 1,000 homes alongside “significant” employment and leisure facilities – has been awarded £6m from the government’s funding for economic growth.

A smaller grant, of £1.2m, has also been released to enable major housing growth in Catterick Garrison.

According to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, it will eventually help bring about plans to create a modern centre in the town, upgrade road junctions and create nearly 2,000 homes in the garrison town.

Hambleton District Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson said the North Northallerton development was the largest housing and employment development within Hambleton District Council’s Local Development Framework.

He said its development is crucial in order for the council to meet its targets for housing, particularly affordable housing. The council is currently “close” to receiving a planning application for the development.

“In an area of strong employment we have to be conscious that we need to ensure a mix of housing is in place to provide the workforce that will enable our businesses to grow.”

He said the key to unlocking the development centres around creating a link road between Darlington Road and Stokesley Road, which has to cross a beck and a rail line.

“The road and bridge costs amount to some £12m, a sum which is difficult for any developer or public body to carry, so news of the £6m grant funding is very welcome,” he said.

The Northallerton site, which will be developed in phases, will be completed by 2026.

It will deliver up to 1,000 new homes and 8.5 hectares of employment land.

The scheme will create 1,288 direct and 153 indirect jobs in the construction industry during its development with the employment land having the capacity to deliver a further 1,900 long-term jobs.

Cllr Robson said: “When put into context the £6m creates well over 3,000 jobs and will lever in around £320m of private sector investment between now and 2026.

“We will now be working very closely with our developer partners and stakeholders to ensure delivery of the scheme and are close to receiving a planning application for the development.”

North Yorkshire County Council is to receive £25m in growth deal funding from the Government for maintaining and improving its road network.