THE former convent school hockey pitch site in Richmond could be developed for housing after an application was received from a developer.

George Wimpey proposes to build 32 apartments and 16 houses on the land at Reeth Road.

The site, one of four areas allocated by Richmondshire District Council as public open space, adjoins Westfields pasture, was sold this week to the Richmondshire Landscape Trust.

Development of the site would be a departure from the council's open space policy, but a compromise is proposed by George Wimpey.

If the planning application is successful, Wimpey would include informal open areas and an equipped playground. A "trim trail" corridor would link the estate with a larger recreation area on the Westfields land owned by the trust. This would have another play area, a hard surface sports area and two mini football pitches.

Coun Stuart Parsons said: "The agreement reached between the Richmondshire Landscape Trust and Richmondshire District Council means that the residents of West ward will, at long last, get access to a modern and exciting new play area.

"The trust has always supported the council's aspiration to improve community provision and is very happy to be able to provide the land needed. One of the main aspirations of the trust was to give better access to all the land currently being transferred and this planned play area will certainly go a long way to wards achieving that aim."

Nearby residents have been notified of the planning application, which can be seen at the council offices at Springwell House, Richmond.

The environment and planning committee is due to consider the application on February 1.