PLANS to build a 125 space car park as a “gateway” to one of North Yorkshire’s market towns have moved a step closer.

A planning application for the scheme in Bedale has now been lodged with officials at Hambleton District Council and is expected to go before councillors for a decision in October.

The car park - which will have enough spaces spaces for 100 cars, as well as five coaches and 20 caravans - will be built on land next to the Bedale to Leeming Bar bypass, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion shortly..

It has been designed with its rural setting in mind and will incorporate a range of landscaping materials in order to work with, and blend into, the local environment.

Aimed at attracting visitors to the Dales into Bedale town centre, the car park is expected to provide a convenient stopping point for those heading both into and out of the National Park.

The local authority hopes it will ensure that visitors come back into Bedale rather than simply bypassing the town when the new road, which has cost some £34m, opens.

And as part of the scheme, footways between the car park and Bedale will be improved to allow visitors to stock up on provisions in town, stretch their legs in Bedale Park and visit local attractions like the Grade I-listed Bedale Hall.

“Building the gateway car park will add to the long-term vibrancy of Bedale,” said the leader of Hambleton District Council, Cllr Mark Robson.

He added: “It is part of our economic strategy to ensure we have vibrant market towns across the district.”