A TRAVELLERS site in Malton could be expanded to try to prevent families illegally occupying other land.

Proposals have been submitted to Ryedale District Council for seven new pitches and seven extra amenity blocks at Tara Park, in York Road. Permission was granted for seven original pitches in 2000.

Yorkshire Housing, the applicant, said the additional pitches would give families a legal base for mobile homes, near the A64. A planning statement to the council said available space was limited, but demand was high.

“By making better use of this land, this will reduce the need for travellers to house on land which they do not own,” said the statement.

A decision on the scheme is expected in February.