PLANS for a business park which could create more than 100 jobs have been unveiled.

Businessman Simon Winstanley is looking to submit planning permission for the development in Harmby Road, Leyburn.

The site, next to Tennants Auctioneers, would consist of 20,000 sq ft of offices and 50,000 sq ft of industrial units.

Architect William Kernohan, from design consultants Ferguson McIlveen, said: "The last thing Simon Winstanley wanted was a series of industrial shacks.

"We have approached the design in a holistic manner in order to provide a new point of arrival and gateway to Leyburn with not only landmark buildings, but also significant landscape enclosures."

Robin Newlove, the firm's head of town planning, said research showed half of the units could be filled immediately.

Most of these were local employers who wanted to keep their business within the district, but were frustrated by the lack of suitable sites.

He said: "We can say that this scheme will produce at least 100 new jobs.

"These are jobs we want to bring to Leyburn. Otherwise they will go elsewhere, because there are no facilities here."

It is proposed that the site has a new access from the main road.

The units would be built in courtyards and would be surrounded by greenery and trees.

Architects say a pond would be created at the northern end of the site to improve drainage and provide ecological benefits.

They say buildings nearest the A684 would be in keeping with traditional architecture in the area.

Leyburn town councillors have raised concerns that the development would mean more green space would be lost to development.

They also fear the site could house retail companies that take business away from Leyburn town centre. However, consultants made assurances that this would not be allowed to happen.

The plans were shown to Leyburn councillors earlier this week ahead of a formal planning application being submitted to Richmondshire District Council.

Leyburn mayor Ian Barker said: "It's nice to be involved at the start."