More affordable homes are being included in development plans for a North Yorkshire former Ministry of Defence site, in an effort to end a long-running wrangle over its future.

For more than five years there has been debate over what should be done with the former RAF supplies department complex in St George's Road, Harrogate, which apart from the town's county cricket ground, is virtually surrounded by housing.

Councillors wanted to keep it in job creation use, but were forced into a rethink when a government inspector said it should go for homes.

Several schemes have been promoted, but so far none has found favour with planners.The latest, submitted by Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd, for 227 homes, goes before councillors on Thursday.

Updated: 12:04 Monday, June 18, 2001