SITES capable of accommodating nearly 1,530 homes on previously-developed - or brownfield land - have been identified across the Hambleton district.

Developers, consultants, architects, councillors and estate agents were among the 22 groups asked for their views on such sites.

The results of the council-led review will be used to update the two-year-old Urban Capacity Study, which informs all proposed developments in the district.

Councillors and officers can now make projections for the district up to the year 2021 and, by helping to indicate the future potential of brownfield land, it provides a basis from which to assess the need to develop greenfield sites.

Cabinet member for the environment John Morley said: "The large number of plots identified on these sites is very positive, as it will reduce the need to look at using previously undeveloped land for housing allocations in the future.

"This will help ensure greenfield land achieves more sustainable patterns of development."