PLANS for the redevelopment of Richmond's former sports centre envisage a mix of rented and private homes.

A blueprint for potential developers of the site, at the Garden village, is to be finalised after Richmondshire District Council's community committee backed an outline document.

Up to eight lower-cost homes are recommended in a plan accepted by the committee, which met in Harmby this week. Officers will finalise the document before the site is opened to developers and housing associations.

Colin Dales, housing unit manager, said a review of the council's allocation duties and options would begin next month and independent legal advice would be sought.

Councillor Richard Dunn, committee chairman, said: "One of the council's priorities is to provide affordable housing and we have been successful with Housing Corporation funding to make this possible.

"We are talking about ordinary working people and young families."