A NEW Sunday market and car boot sale is planned for the former British Gas depot in Thornaby.

Planning permission is expected to be granted for the market at a Stockton Borough Council meeting next week.

If approved, the market will run for a year, with the possibility of an extension once the impact of the market on the area has been monitored.

The market will open from 7am until 6pm, and up to 1,000 sellers could use the site.

But Miller Homes, which owns adjoining land to the former British Gas depot, has objected to the plans.

A spokesman said: "The proposal is detrimental to the residential amenity of residents of Lancaster Park by virtue of noise disturbance and added traffic.

"Miller Homes showed good faith in acquiring this site for residential development, not withstanding adjoining industrial uses, and hopes the council will support the overall development of this area for residential purposes."

Objections about excess traffic and rubbish have also been received from nearby residents.

Council planning officer Kevin Kerrigan said: "The proposed use is considered to be acceptable in principle and should not prejudice the long-term redevelopment of the site."

The decision will be made on Thursday.