PLANS for a £10m cancer centre in the grounds of a North Yorkshire hospital have been lodged with the local council.

Detailed proposals for the creation of a specialist cancer centre within the grounds of the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton have now been received by

Hambleton District Council.

The centre has been jointly funded by North Yorkshire-based philanthropist Sir Robert Ogden and the charity Macmillan cancer support.

The modern facility will include 14 treatment bays to treat up to 35 people a day, as well as two day bedrooms, two complementary therapy rooms, a Macmillan cancer information and support centre and treatment and consulting rooms.

The centre will be built on what is currently the visitor’s car park adjacent to the hospital’s main entrance. But the developers are proposing building an additional car park within the hospital grounds, increasing the total number of parking spaces from the current 546 to 553.

The planning officer’s report it states the site lies within an area that potentially could contain the remains of a medieval Carmelite Friary in Northallerton, but states there is “high potential for good preservation of other elements of the priory in the surrounding area, despite modern activity."

North Yorkshire County Council’s archaeology department recommends that a detailed record is made of any deposits or remains that will be disturbed. An assessment of the site's significance will need to be submitted and approved by the planning authority before work can begin.

Hambleton District Council has recommended the plans are approved, stating in its report;

“The proposed development comprises the efficient use of land and infrastructure and would enable a significant improvement in the range and quality of services provided at the hospital.

“The proposed development will help to improve clinical provision in Northallerton, contributing to the health, economic and social wellbeing, amenity and safety of the population.”