THE fate of a planned £10m memorial to a famous explorer is to be decided next week.

Scarborough Borough Council's planning committee meets on Tuesday, to discuss a planning application for a Cook's World project.

If it goes ahead, the heritage centre will be based on the site where Captain James Cook's famous ship Endeavour was built in Whitby harbour. Cook trained as an apprentice in the North Yorkshire fishing town, which has become famous across the world for it's connections with him.

The project plans to include the use of a former engine shed, which is a Grade II listed building.

Trustees of the James Cook Trust, which is behind the centre, said benefits for the town and area include increased employment, education, training, apprenticeships and leisure facilities.

The application was deferred several months ago as the authority wanted more information concerning the impact of increased traffic. An independent study has shown that there will be no adverse impact on traffic .

There was also concern of a "Captain Cook overload" in the town.