COASTGUARDS are to build a new rescue equipment station at the cliff-top village of Ravenscar, on the North Yorkshire coast, after making changes to original plans.

The Coastguard and Maritime Agency said the existing station, which was about 80 years old, was outdated and inadequate for its purpose - covering one of the country's most notorious coastlines.

The agency said: "The existing building is beyond its economical life and no longer meets operational or health and safety needs."

Val Dilcok, chief planning officer for the North York Moors National Park Authority, which is to rule on the plan next week, said that subject to amended plans being received, no objection was to be made.

She said the agency had been asked to omit stone horizontal detailing and triangular glazing, which was felt to be inappropriate.