THREE major developments for a market town are being recommended for approval later this week.

Plans to build 75 homes, 19 flats, a Homebase store and a Halfords store in Northallerton, have all received the support of planning officials at Hambleton District Council.

George Wimpey NE Limited has applied for permission to build the houses and flats on the North Yorkshire Timber site in Springwell Lane.

Under the proposals, there would be a mix of four, three and two-bedroomed houses, and six two-bedroomed apartments. Nineteen of the homes would be designated as affordable housing.

Yorkshire Water has objected to the scheme, saying the public sewer network does not have the capacity to deal with surface water from the site.

Residents have also voiced concerns about the extra amount of traffic that would be forced to travel down the already-congested Springwell Lane.

Planning officer Jonathan Saddington has recommended approval, but said development work should not start until details of the sewage and surface water disposal facilities have been agreed.

He said: "Clear steps have been taken by the developer to produce an innovative and attractive scheme that will add to the value of the town's built environment, rather than compete with it."

Broadacres Housing Association has applied for permission to demolish York Vale House, in East Road, and build 19 flats and an office in its place.

The Allertonshire Civic Society said noise pollution from the nearby nightclub would cause problems, but the flats would be fitted with mechanical ventilation systems so residents would not have to open their windows at night.

Mr Saddington said: "The existing building has a dour appearance with no redeeming features, and as a result, is not considered to be worthy of retention."

Rokeby Developments Northern Limited has submitted plans to build a 3,500sq metre Homebase store and an 868sq metre Halfords shop in Willowbeck Road.

The site, which has recently been used by North Yorkshire Timber, would have 146 car parking spaces.

The district council's development control committee will meet at the Civic Centre, Stone Cross, on Thursday, to discuss the plans.