CAMPAIGNERS have launched a legal challenge that could halt a council's £5m relocation plans.

The Save Our Shire (SOS) group is fighting the sale of Yorke Square car park, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, for housing.

Richmondshire District Council has already agreed to sell the land to fund its new offices in Colburn.

The council granted planning permission for 14 flats to be built on the car park in February. However, SOS says this decision was unlawful and wants a judge to rule on the decision.

A letter has been sent to the council setting out the group's grievances. The authority has 14 days to reply.

The campaigners will then apply for a judicial review.

John McDonald, SOS chairman, said: "The strength of opinion and determination of Richmondshire residents has encouraged us to take this step. For the first time in over a year's campaign, Richmondshire District Council is not calling the shots.

"The council has previously had a number of opportunities to respond to a massive list of points of law raised by our solicitor.

"The council has evaded the issue each time.

"All we want is for the wishes of the people and their councillors to be respected."

More than 8,000 people signed petitions against the development of Yorke Square.

The council also received 550 letters of objection.

Residents say the housing would damage the town's historic environment.

A statement issued yesterday by the council said: "The letter has been passed to the district council's legal advisors and their advice will be considered before giving a formal response within 14 days, as required.

"Prior to receiving the letter before claim, the district council has responded, via their legal representatives, to a number of points raised by Save our Shire, prior to the planning application for the development of part of Yorke Square being heard.

"In addition, further points raised by the group were dealt with in the public report regarding the planning application."

Last week, re-elected council leader John Blackie said all options regarding the move were "still on the table".

He initially supported the relocation, but later argued that a likely shake-up of local government meant the decision should be deferred.

* SOS was launched six months ago to fight the sale of the Yorke Square car park and the move to Colburn.