PLANS have been submitted for the first phase of a housing estate in Leyburn, which would expand the population of the Dales market town by a third.

Persimmon Homes, of York, has submitted a proposal for 98 houses and 18 bungalows at Maythorne Farm, already earmarked for housing in Richmondshire District Council's Local Plan.

Yesterday, the project was welcomed as a potential boost for the local economy.

However, people with homes on the town's Brentwood Estate will be looking for assurances that extra traffic will not find its way on to the road outside their homes.

Some are already angry its status as a cul-de-sac was lost when Wensleydale Avenue was built, and they are now pressing the authorities to install bollards to block a "rat run" avoiding the town centre.

There is also concern that, if they are unsuccessful, another road to the new estate could create an unofficial bypass between the main A684 and Richmond Road.

Brentwood resident Bernard Borman said: "There is already a legal representation in, urging North Yorkshire County Council to abide by the rulings of a Government inspector who presided over a public inquiry into the Local Plan.

"He said when the new houses are built, Brentwood should remain a cul-de-sac - and that is want we want."

However, although he accepted a careful study of the possible impact on local roads would be necessary, county Councillor Mike Childs said he hoped the new estate could help revitalise Leyburn.

He said: "I do not feel there's any great cause for concern over whether the town's services could cope with an influx of new homes. Generally, I think it's going to be welcomed by businesses as a bundle of good news."

Richmondshire District Council's leader, Councillor John Blackie, said: "There are issues which need to be addressed regarding access to Brentwood and to the new estate but, surely, Leyburn must benefit.

"Towns need to be sustainable and, if new homes bring in new blood, then all sorts of advantages could be offered to the community.