THE planning blueprint for Helmsley for the next 15 years, now nearing completition, is expected to go to a week-long public examination this summer.

The news was given to the annual assembly by Chris France, director of planning for the North York Moors National Park, who told residents and councillors that the plan would focus on housing and employment.

The Helmsley Local Plan would see up to 200 new homes built over the period in the northern area of the town, including a site off Elmslac Road. There was also likely to be a development of 60 care units with one and two bedroom apartments, said Mr France, as well as social and shared ownership housing.

“More work is needed on the layouts,” he said, adding that the densities planned by developers were felt to be too high. Land is expected to be earmarked for businesses, employment and light industry south of the town, alongside the existing industrial estate, said Mr France.