A PRIVATE hospital could be built on Scarborough Rugby Club's ground on the outskirts of the resort.

The development would complete a long-running saga for the site, following the closure of the BUPA Belvedere Hospital three years ago.

The borough council's development committee has approved a planning brief for the prime site, in Scalby Road, Newby, after head of planning services Gordon Somerville said the club had been wanting to move from the ground for a long time.

It is understood it could have another site in mind, at nearby Scalby.

Mr Somerville said the brief indicated that the existing ground - which has been the club's home for some 80 years - could be used for a wide range of community and employment opportunities, together with some housing.