A POPULAR market town is in line for a buoyant future if a planning blueprint becomes a reality.

Town councillors in Pickering have backed a scheme which outlines ideas for its future as part of the Ryedale Local Development Framework.

Clerk Andrew Husband told the council the plan sets out a vision, objectives and strategy for Ryedale for the next 16 years,

Malton and Norton have been identified as principal services centres and Pickering a district centre, providing a key range of shops, services and employment opportunities in northern Ryedale.

The plan acknowledges that Pickering acts as a public transport node, with north-south connections between Malton and Whitby, and east-west links between Helmsley and Scarborough.

The town council agreed they need to ensure that any developments will not result in a detrimental impact on the character of the historic town or surrounding landscape.

Specific projects put forward for Pickering include environmental improvements in the town centre and redevelopment of brownfield sites around the coalyard.

It also includes encouraging quality retail developments, providing employment and housing opportunities to meet the needs of residents.

Mr Husband said the council particularly wanted to see more open space provided in the town centre.