PROPOSALS to build 47 homes on a former town centre industrial site have been deferred by Hambleton councillors pending further information.

It was the second time that developers McCarthy and Stone had put forward plans to redevelop the land in Bedale, which was formerly occupied by Clapham's marquee makers and hirers.

McCarthy and Stone want to build 12 two-bedroom and 35 single-bedroom units of sheltered accommodation on the site for older people.

The decision to defer the application was made by Hambleton District Council's development control committee, despite planning officer Tim Wood's recommendations to approve the scheme.

Mr Wood's recommendations, however, had come with a list of 19 conditions, six of which related to the drainage and possible contamination of the site, which includes a former gas works.

He said investigations into the nature and extent of any contamination of the site would have to be carried out before any work could start.

The development had gained the support of Bedale's Chamber of Trade, which believed it would only improve the condition of the derelict area, bring increased trade to shops and businesses and meet the needs of older people.