PLANS for a housing development on former industrial land are expected to be rejected this week.

McCarthy and Stone Developments has submitted plans to Hambleton District Council to demolish disused buildings behind Bedale's market place, to make way for 50 flats for elderly people.

The scheme has the support of the town council, as well as the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

But conservationists have objected to plans to pull down several historic buildings, saying they did not agree that the structures were deteriorating.

English Heritage said there was still potential for the buildings to be used.

Council officials shared their concerns and recommended the scheme be refused at a planning committee meeting tomorrow.

A spokeswoman said the principle for the development was acceptable but added: "It is considered that the form of development, which includes the demolition of all existing buildings and the amalgamation of the historic plot pattern of the conservation areas and the design of the building, will have a detrimental impact.