PLANS to build luxury holiday lodges on the edge of a market town have been welcomed.

Eco Build has asked Richmondshire District Council for permission to construct 18 log cabins in the lower reaches of Swaledale, on the edge of Richmond, North Yorkshire.

As the complex would not include a shop or restaurant, it is hoped the project would offer an immediate source of income for local firms.

Part of the site would be enhanced and maintained as a conservation area, and ten per cent of the profits made from leasing the cabins would be ploughed back into the area.

Eco Build chairman Martin Spence has already addressed the Richmond Business and Tourism Association and secretary Dr Mike Nicholls said members embraced the concept with some enthusiasm.

"More people shopping, eating and drinking in Richmond has to be a good thing, and we will certainly be supporting the project when it comes up for planning permission," he said.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Stuart Parsons, said: "It appears to be a sound idea ecologically, economically and for the community."