Affordable homes included in masterplan for Castle Howard estate, which featured in Brideshead Revisited

Castle Howard has submitted the first planning application as part of a masterplan for the 9,000-acre estate, which is part of a strategy to help revive neighbouring communities.

In a statement, Castle Howard said: “The Reserved Matters Planning application on the Balk Site in Slingsby is for 26 residential dwellings set around a small public green, all designed to the highest sustainability standards. The site will offer both owned and rented tenure options, with 35 per cent of the units being affordable homes.

“The scheme has been designed by architects ADAM Architecture, who previously worked with the Blenheim Estate on its award-winning Park View, at Woodstock in Oxfordshire.

“The Reserved Matters application for the Balk site in Slingsby follows an outline planning application which was granted in 2020, with a vision to create an attractive, sustainable neighbourhood and a sensitive extension to the village.

“The application for the 26 residential dwellings on the 2.8 acre site with access from Aspen Way has been designed to minimise any impact on existing residents. This access is able to support any future phases of development, up to the maximum of 38 properties outlined in the original application.

“Designed to meet the highest architectural and sustainability standards, and in keeping with the local landscape and the rich architectural tradition of the Estate, it is hoped that the site will be an exemplar for how new housing can strengthen the character of historic villages.”

Jasper Hasell, the Castle Howard Estate Chief Executive, said: “It is hugely important that the plans we have submitted for the Balk site demonstrate our long-term commitment to purposeful development and the key themes laid out in our masterplan. We believe that what we have developed with Adam Architecture does just that, featuring high-quality and sustainable design that is sympathetic to the character of Slingsby and will enhance village life.

“With a range of tenures and 35 per cent of the development being affordable, Castle Howard is uniquely placed to deliver a development of this type, ensuring future homes for local people and a sustainable future for the estate.”