AMENDED plans for a new village hall at Aldbrough St John, near Richmond, could to be approved if details of the scheme can be finalised.

Richmondshire District Council's planning committee agreed to delegate power to senior officers and members to grant planning permission when assurances are given to protect the village green and pinfold.

Mr Peter Featherstone, development control team leader, told the meeting last Tuesday that alternatives to tarmac for the access and parking area were to be investigated. Details of disabled access are to be finalised.

The amended plans follow an application in 1998, which won planning permission. The new scheme provides a slightly higher roof to allow more storage space, more formal parking and an oil tank screened by a stone wall.

Two villagers objected.