Major 3,000 Village Between Harrogate and York

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.