Harbours in the region are in line for multi-million pound developments. The biggest scheme, earmarked for the upper harbour at Whitby, North Yorkshire, will only go ahead if it has the support of the town's residents, a Scarborough Borough Council report says.

The council's cabinet is being recommended to set up a public exhibition on draft proposals.

Chief executive John Trebble said: "Without support, the land cannot be made available and funding will not available.

"It would not be prudent to go ahead with a scheme which is not backed by a consensus of opinion in Whitby."

A public planning seminar came up with a number of conclusions - the need for a new marina, improved parking, including park-and-ride facilities, and the possible development of the Endeavour Wharf.

Consultants High Point Rendel has put forward three options for the marina, the one most favoured being a reclamation scheme to create 200 berths.

Under the plans, an old railway engine shed near the marina would become a Captain Cook visitor centre.

Plans drawn up by the consultants will be put on show.

Mr Trebble said: "These plans would not be a planning application, but a series of preliminary thoughts to encourage debate and discussion."

Meanwhile, ideas for Scarborough's harbour have been dealt a blow because of delays to the RNLI's plans to build a replacement station for a new lifeboat.

The scheme is part of a project to give a new look to the entrance of the West Pier and to create a Continental-style piazza.

It is hoped to redesign the scheme to enable the council's aspirations to be realised, and for the lifeboat station to be built at a later date.