THE location chosen for a new stately home will be inspected when councillors visit the site at the end of the month.

Property developer Leon Howard hopes to use designs drawn by Castle Howard architect Sir John Vanbrugh as the basis for his home in North Yorkshire.

When Vanbrugh drew the blueprints 300 years ago, he may have been planning them as a lower house for Blenheim Palace - Sir Winston Churchill's birthplace - because they were found with the palace's original designs.

Richmondshire District Council has yet to approve the proposals, and members will meet at West Appleton on Friday, January 31, to inspect the site.

The council has already turned down a similar application, which disappointed ward councillor Tony Pelton.

Councillor Pelton said: "I thought the building could have been a new attraction for the area and made no secret of the fact I supported the proposals at the time.

"However, these are new plans and I will be very interested to see them."

If plans are approved, the building will include three palatial bedrooms, a main living area, kitchens, a games room, a laundry room, office and study and basement parking.