A CONTROVERSIAL bid for a new medical centre in the Dales is to go before councillors.

Trinity Medical Properties has altered the design of plans for a two-storey building off Brentwood, in Leyburn, in response to objections from a number of local residence.

The foundations will be laid in a shallow depression dug into the ground to take half a metre off the height, the roof will be of slate tile rather than sheet metal.

A number of widows have also been removed from the original design to ensure neighbouring properties are not overlooked.

However, people with homes nearby are still concerned the centre will lead to more traffic on their estate.

The project aims to bring the market town's health services under one roof, with space for GPs, midwives, health visitors and district nurses, as well as administrators.

A modern waiting room with a children's play area, a private interview room and six additional consulting rooms, space for minor surgery, a staff room and seminar room are all included in the blueprints.

No one has yet denied the need for better facilities - but neighbours are claiming it could mean they will have to put up with as many as 500 extra traffic movements a day.

The figure is disputed by the applicant, Trinity Medical Properties, which has said there would not be the staff to cope with so many patients.

GPs have also said the centre is not expected to attract any more people than those on the patient lists at the surgery in Leyburn.

However, it is members of Richmondshire District Council's environment committee who must decide the issue on Tuesday.

They have already delayed a vote, asking Trinity Medical Properties to examine the possibility of a different site in Leyburn.

The district authority's planning officers have recommended that the application is approved.