A GOVERNMENT inspector has given the go-ahead for plans for a petrol station and forecourt shop on a derelict piece of land in Norton.

The original application, which included the construction of a BP petrol station, Marks & Spencer food store and Wild Bean coffee shop, with parking, on the former Malton Clothing factory site in Welham Road, was rejected by members of Ryedale District Council’s (RDC) planning committee.

However, an appeal was made by BP with the three-day hearing held at Ryedale Community and Leisure Centre in September.

The inspector has now allowed the appeal subject to a number of conditions.

A BP spokesperson said: "We are pleased to have received consent to our proposal, and we look forward to viewing the relevant planning conditions.”