A doctors' medical centre could be built on a green field site in the North York Moors National Park to replace a cramped village surgery.

Ashley House, a Newcastle-based company, wants to build the surgery at Briar Hill, Danby, because it says the existing surgery is only a third of the NHS recommended size needed for the Esk Valley area.

The park's planning committee is being recommended to approve the development.

But residents in Briar Hill have told the park authority that the road is a busy commuter route and the surgery will generate more traffic and exacerbate congestion.

People also say the entrance to the development will be dangerous because it is on a steep hill, and it will "destroy a much-treasured view" over the valley to Castleton Rigg.

Chief planning officer, Val Dilcock, said officers felt the scheme would not cause noise or disturbance and would not have an adverse impact on the landscape.

The doctors said they had looked for an alternative site but without success.

A cattle grid will be put across the entrance to avoid sheep straying into the area.