A PLANNED sheltered housing project for vulnerable youngsters has been put hold after it emerged the development site has been earmarked for a transport exchange.

Broadacres Housing Association bought the former station master's house, at Northallerton station, two years ago.

The house was demolished, with plans drawn up for a three-storey accommodation unit for vulnerable 16 to 25-year-olds, to replace the existing centre, in nearby South Parade.

Hambleton District Council's planning committee has delayed a decision on the future of the site, while discussions are held over a possible "land swap" of the station site and another piece of land in the town.

The station site was ear-marked for a public transport exchange in a council planning framework document, published in December last year.

Fred Wachsberger, of Northallerton Rail Users Group, spoke against the housing development at the station site.

He said: "Yorkshire Forward, a government agency, has said previously that Northallerton needs a transport interchange to improve public transport services.

"This site is the only place near the station that it could be placed, to build a Broadacres building would really screw up the whole project."

Councillors at last week's planning meeting were not in favour of the sheltered housing being built next to the railway station.

They agreed that the building should be situated else where.

Councillor John Coulson, the member for Northallerton, said: "Where is the parking? Who is going to police the area? There is no amenity space."

Coun Isobel Sanderson said: "When I saw the proposal, it made me ashamed.

"I think it is very sad, you have put these vulnerable people next to a main road and the railway line. This is not the right location for sheltered housing."

Broadacres said it was disappointed with the decision to defer the decision for "much-needed" accommodation.

A spokesman said: "The possibility of a land swap has been explored over recent years but has not come to fruition.

"We will continue to work with our partners and the local community to deliver the scheme."