A £5M housing scheme for the elderly in Wensleydale has won the approval of national park members.

The extra care complex planned for Bainbridge was narrowly given the go-ahead when the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's planning committee met at West Burton, near Leyburn, on Tuesday.

The scheme will replace the Sycamore Close sheltered housing development, run by Richmondshire District Council, and North Yorkshire County Council's High Hall residential home, both of which are outdated.

Both authorities are funding the new development, along with cash from the Housing Corporation and the Department of Health.

The project provides self-contained flats, with staff available 24 hours a day, and increasing nursing care as individual residents' needs grow. There is also a caf, hairdressing salon, treatment room, shop and lounge.