Richmond'S business community faced the district council over a courtroom table as a public inquiry into amendments to the local authority's planning blueprint for the future got under way.

The administration has been working with Richmond Town Centre Forum on new policies aimed at kick-starting a flagging local economy over the next few years.

This has resulted in a declaration that the town centre needs to develop a "niche market" identity - increasing the variety of shops on offer while making it more attractive to shoppers.

The town centre forum is now in the process of appointing a board which will lead the quest for grants to turn some of the proposals into reality.

But the sticking point is parking.

Richmond Business and Tourism Association is worried that a more pedestrian-friendly town centre will mean fewer spaces for cars.

Representing the organisation at a public inquiry at Leyburn's old magistrates' courts this week, Jill Davies said: "Richmond is not just a 'niche' market town - it serves the rural hinterland. Niche market shops would only serve the tourism trade for half the year and, if we were to agree to the council's policies, I feel it would be giving carte blanche to the council to reduce parking without consultation with the business community.''

However, Paul Steele, presenting the council's case, told planning inspector Neil Holt that the number of free disc-parking spaces in Richmond would be increased within weeks when new restrictions are introduced on the town's Newbiggin and Bargate.

He said: "Proper enforcement of the existing zone is a high priority after it was highlighted in discussions with the town centre forum.''

But the authority has not promised the overall number of spaces in Richmond will remain the same.

The issue now rests with Mr Holt, who will have to decide if extra safeguards are warranted.

The public inquiry, which opened on Tuesday, is due to continue over the next fortnight.

Other issues which Mr Holt will be asked to adjudicate on include the district's housing allocation and also the amount of land available for recreation