DVD technology was used for the first time by a planning committee during the discussion of a controversial sheltered housing complex.

Members of the Hambleton District Council committee were shown computer-generated images of the proposals by McCarthy and Stone for Malpas Road, Northallerton.

The short film showed how the building would look when approached from Boroughbridge Road, one of the main entrances to the town.

If approved, 56 sheltered apartments will be built, as well as a manager's flat, a communal lounge and refuse area, 25 parking spaces and landscaping. The building would be two, three and four storeys high.

Councillors said viewing the DVD was extremely useful.

Coun John Fletcher said: "Had I not seen the video, I would have expressed severe doubts about the design. On paper, it looks awful. It looks like a suburban street, but the video gives a few more plus points.

"I still hope we can keep working on the design because it is in a key position on a major entrance to Northallerton, and it is going to be there for a long time."

Similar plans by McCarthy and Stone were rejected by the authority a year ago. The company initially lodged an appeal, but withdrew it in May before it submitted a new application.

Ward member councillor David Blades said the design had been improved, but questioned whether a proposed £5,000 contribution towards open public spaces would be enough.

He said: "Building 56 apartments without any public open space will put pressure on the town council. There will be a need for more seating and for more leisure facilities."

Councillors deferred a decision for more discussions over the public open spaces issue and affordable housing requirements.

Council policies state that in this instance, 22.4 units of affordable housing should be provided, but there are no planned affordable units on the site.