ABOUT 3,500 homes could be built in the Ryedale area in the next 15 years.

The building programme is set out as one of the district council's key aims for the future.

The authority said 45 hectares of land have been set aside for homes and businesses in its local development framework -its guide to the council's long-term plans for the area.

The houses will mostly be in Malton and Norton, but include other market towns and some larger villages, where there are better transport links and access to services.

Council planning policy manager Jill Robinson said: "This is perhaps the most important document in the new local development framework.

"It sets the parameters for the location of new homes and businesses and will shape the future of the district for the next 15 years.

"It will provide a basis for detailed work that will take place next year to identify possible new housing and employment sites.

"Once the core strategy has been adopted, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications."

The 15-year plan has been submitted to the Government along with plans on how locals can have a say on the strategy and on planning applications.

A planning inspector will hold a public examination into the strategy next year. Comments on the documents should be made to the district council by January 20.

Copies of the documents and supporting information, are available at the council offices in Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley, and local libraries.

They can also be downloaded at www.ryedale.gov.uk