A FORMER pipeline factory site left to become an eyesore is to be considered for an application to build almost 50 new homes.

The site in Catterick Road, Colburn, was occupied by InPipe Products, a manufacturer of equipment for the inspection and testing of pipelines and pipeline equipment, until 2013 when the firm moved an industrial estate in Brompton-on-Swale.

The former premises have recently been demolished following the grant of outline planning permission for redevelopment of the site.

However there has been outline planning permission for a potential 47 homes on the site since 2006, and in June 2013, Richmondshire District Council approved an application for the same number of homes – which will be discussed in more detail at its planning committee meeting on Tuesday, June 2.

Persimmon Homes’ plans for the derelict site, which has been described as an eyesore by councillors and residents, has been welcomed in the past by Colburn Town Council however the authority has expressed concerns about the number of affordable homes in the proposal.

Persimmon Homes has outlined a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties with two to three bedrooms, with eight dwellings being retained for affordable housing, and no bungalows.

A spokeswoman for the town council said: “There are only eight low cost housing units, no bungalows or disabled access houses.

“We are aware following our discussions with the developers that bungalows are not cost effective for them to build - but they are much needed by older residents and if they moved to such accommodation, would free up larger houses for family use.

“Eight low cost units is only 17 per cent of the development, which is much lower than the percentage on other developments in Colburn.”

The council also questioned the suitability of access from the A6136 to the new estate and Colburn Sport Centre.

Richmondshire District Council planning officer Peter Featherstone said the issue over affordable housing had already been explored, and that although eight homes does not meet the target level of other nearby developments, it is the maximum that can be provided while maintaining a viable scheme.

He added that the suitability of the access has been assessed by the highway authority, who confirmed it was satisfied that the access road, the junction with Catterick Road and the wider highway network were capable of accommodating the development.

Mr Featherstone added: “The details put forward by the applicant provide an appropriate mix of dwelling types and sizes in a layout which provides for both new landscaping and retention of existing important trees.”