DLA Architecture leads on planning for new sustainable North Yorkshire community

DLA Architecture has led the design of a Banks Property planning application submitted for a significant new sustainable housing and community development in North Yorkshire. 

Working with Lichfields Planning Consultants, DLA has designed the masterplan on behalf of Banks for a major extension to the west of the village of Eggborough near Selby, which would offer up to 1,500 low carbon, energy efficient homes.

The development would also include enhanced local transport links, a new primary school and nursery, assisted living units, new areas of accessible public open space, other local services and a range of environmental benefits.

Banks Property has already carried out an extensive public consultation exercise for its plans to develop the 70 hectare site in line with the emerging Selby Local Plan. 

The proposed scheme intends to act as an integrated extension to Eggborough’s existing community, delivering much needed new housing, job creation and enhancement to the local infrastructure. 

The masterplanning for the Eggborough site has been underway for more than 18 months, during which time DLA and the team have consulted with key stakeholders including the local authority, highways, railways, ecology, environmental, and renewable energy consultants.  

Considerations include number of existing constraints and opportunities, such as a water main running across the site, overhead power cables and existing and historic hedgerows. 

The masterplan consists of four development phases and incorporating a central energy centre to provide district heating, and the potential for PV panels.

Joe Anderson-Cable, project manager at Banks Property, said: “This site is included in the draft Selby Local Plan as a housing-led location and offers the opportunity to create a landmark development that will help Eggborough continue to thrive for decades to come.

“Increasing the local and regional supply of quality housing will help to attract people to live and work here, which will in turn support the development of the local economy, while ensuring there is affordable quality housing will also mean that everyone can access the housing ladder, most especially local younger people and families who want to move to or stay in the area.

“DLA has demonstrated considerable expertise and credentials in master planning strategically important schemes of this scale and local economic importance and we are pleased to have them on board.”

Jonathan Knowles, director at DLA Architecture, added: “We have created a masterplan with a distinctive design approach that is deliverable in phases to dovetail into the existing settlement, with homes that are low-carbon, energy and water-efficient, and climate-resilient. 

“The plans incorporate affordable housing, a primary school accessible to all Eggborough families, improvements to Whitley Bridge railway station, 70 extra care homes, a small retail facility and potential energy centre to provide a district heating system.  

“We have allocated significant areas for new public spaces and wildlife habitat as well as dedicated bus routes and green paths for walking or cycling through the site.”

Subject to planning consent it is hoped that the Eggborough site could start construction of the first residential phase by late 2025. 

DLA Architecture has been established for more than 40 years and employs 91 architectural staff across its offices in Leeds, Manchester, and London. 

The team has extensive experience in site assessment and masterplanning.  

DLA is recognised nationally for its award-winning work which includes the sensitive, £21m PPP delivered community project at Hackney Gardens in London and the transformation of the iconic Majestic building in Leeds city centre.