THE demolition of parts of a former hospital to make way for a food store and restaurant is to be discussed by councillors.

Hambleton District Council's planning committee will debate the proposals, which have been recommended for approval by officers, on Thursday (November 13).

Buildings to the rear of the former Rutson Hospital buildings, in Northallerton High Street, would be razed to the ground to allow Marks and Spencer to move onto the site should the proposals be granted.

The site, between the High Street and Brompton Road, is 0.3 hectares and the property on the High Street is currently occupied by offices and residential flats.

The frontage buildings are listed and the proposed works include plans to reinstate boundary railings at the front of the building, changing the hospital buildings to form a pub and restaurant, demolishing a rear wing of the building, and the conversion of two properties to form the shop area.

There are also plans for a beer garden for the pub, a new pedestrian entrance from the back of the High Street, and to redesign road markings to improve pedestrian access and safety.

Despite resolving to support the application, by Jomast Developments Limited and Marks and Spencer Plc, members of Northallerton Town Council recently expressed concerns about traffic issues, particularly the build up on Friarage Street roundabout.