A firm of planning consultants is suggesting that a town's auction mart site should be allocated for housing development.

The firm has put forward the idea towards a planning blueprint for Masham, near Ripon.

Harrogate Borough Council invited views on how Masham could develop and be made a better place, as part of the new Local Development Framework.

A development and conservation discussion meeting is being planned by the council, including one for Masham and surrounding parishes, for which a date has yet to be fixed.

The document will guide development and conservation in the Harrogate district until 2021.

Meanwhile, the planning consultants - Turley Associates - say they have identified the mart site in Leyburn Road for housing because:

* It is previously developed land in the urban area;

* It is not an employment site and is grossly under-used;

* It is in a sustainable location within walking distance of the town centre and public transport;

* Redevelopment would enhance the adjoining conservation area;

* It was only one of three sites in Masham identified in an earlier Urban Capacity Study document for housing.

In its response, the firm also points out that Swinburn Road was previously undeveloped, while land at The Oaks is partially undeveloped.

CHS, another firm of property consultants, suggests land east of Thorpe Road and south of Swinton Terrace for housing development. And it believes land south of Masham, adjoining Thorpe Road, as well as south of Fearby Road could be earmarked for commercial development.

Masham Auction Mart is still in operation, being used each week for sales of sheep and cattle.