A PUBLIC inquiry into the compulsory purchase of five terraced houses and a piece of adjoining land has been cancelled.

Objections to Hambleton District Council's plans to buy the properties on Northallerton Road, Leeming Bar, have been withdrawn and the authority will now go ahead with the acquisition of the land.

It wants to develop affordable homes on the site in a partnership scheme with Chevin Housing Association.

The development will include homes for sale and rent.

All of the homes will be built to incorporate energy and water-conservation measures.

The council's head of legal and democratic services, Martyn Richards, said: "Now that the objections to the purchase have been withdrawn, we can press ahead with the land acquisition and begin work on the revamp of this run-down area of Leeming Bar."

The public inquiry had been due to take place next month.