The possible route for a Leeds to Selby Canal was surveyed in the late 1760s. The canal would have been 23 miles long and run to the north of Hambleton. The estimated cost was £59,468 and in December 1772 the proposal was sent to Parliament at the same time as a proposed improvement to the Aire submitted by the Aire and Calder Navigation, but no decision was made on either application. The Leeds to Selby Canal was supported by the Leeds and Liverpool Company in 1774 and again rival bills were presented to Parliament but the Leeds to Selby proposal was defeated and on 14th June, 1774 the Aire and Calder bill became an Act of Parliament.