AN application has been made to build a "gateway scheme" including drive thru restaurants and warehouse units in a North Yorkshire town.

The proposal involves developing six units on a derelict three-acre site in Northallerton.

The land, next to the County Business Park, is between Darlington Road and Thurston Road and is currently undeveloped.

Businessman Simon Bailes submitted the plans for the development, which he says has the potential to create up to 100 full and part-time jobs and will help boost the local economy.

He said: “Northallerton is a growing and vibrant market town in an important part of North Yorkshire.

"I am confident that investment in this site will generate opportunities for significant return, both in terms of value and enterprise.

"It will enhance the gross GVA of our town and provide a significant attraction for national brands to consider as a location."

If approved, the scheme will include the construction of two drive-thru restaurants or coffee shops, two new trade counter retail warehouse units and the conversion of a vacant warehouse to create a further two units for mixed use employment – including trade counter retail, storage, and industrial use.

A spokesman for the company, which also runs the Simon Bailes Peugeot dealership in the town, said the outline planning permission submission, to Hambleton District Council, involves a "high quality design", incorporating two drive-thru restaurants or coffee shops of 378 sq. metres and 186 sq. m, as well as two new trade counter retail units of 435 sq. m and 407 sq. m in size.

Two further trade or warehouse units – each of 707 sq. m – will be created by the refurbishment of an empty warehouse.

The application also includes provision for a total of 98 parking spaces together with landscaping and planting around each of the units.

The site, which is mostly made up of scrubland and hard standing, was incorporated into the business park in the 1980s.

Commercial buildings on the southern section were demolished in 2008.

Mr Bailes added: “As we emerge from the coronavirus lockdown our local economy is in urgent need of a boost and a new development with is associated construction activity and longer-term employment benefits could be just the tonic.

"This three acre site has been derelict for many years, bringing it into productive use will enhance this important gateway to Northallerton and bring new facilities to the many businesses which are located there.”

The plans have been submitted to Hambleton Borough Council and will be available to view on its planning portal when validated by council officers.