COUNCIL officers are asking for an extra £40,000 to pay for research and consultation into plans for controversial new headquarters.

Richmondshire District Council has already set aside £100,000 to put together a business case for the move from Richmond to new offices in Colburn.

Now officers say another £40,000 is needed to finish the report.

Consultants hired by the council have already determined the move is financially viable.

The extra money will be spent on looking at the best way of securing the new offices and investigating the council's IT needs.

A council report said: "Members agreed an initial budget allocation of £100,000 for the feasibility and development of the project.

"This initial budget allocation is currently estimated to overspend by £10,000.

"Further to this £10,000, the business case now requires an estimated £30,000 investment to aid its completion."

The council report emphasised the importance of a thorough business case, adding: "The council decision to invest in new office accommodation must stand up to intense scrutiny and examination.

"The decision to invest must be based on both timely and accurate information, to best mitigate the investment risk to the council."

However, Richmond mayor and opponent of the move to Colburn, Stuart Parsons, criticised the request for extra money.

He said: "This is indicative of how things are being run.

"Back in February, the council was told it would cost £100,000.

"Seven months later, we find there is a 40 per cent increase in costs.

"Does that mean the whole project will see the same inflation-busting cost increases?"

A report by consultants Donaldsons said the new offices were needed.

Their report said: "Existing arrangements present a significant constraint on the council's ability to achieve best value in the delivery of local services. Officers are unable to achieve their full potential.

"New accommodation could unlock significant efficiency gains."

More than 7,000 people signed a petition against the sale of Yorke Square car park, in Richmond, to fund the £4.5m offices.

The request for the extra money will be discussed at a meeting at Swale House, Richmond, on Tuesday.