MEMBERS of an action group protesting against plans to build hundreds of homes are urging councillors to consider other potential sites before making a final decision.

Brompton and Northallerton Against Green Erosion is objecting to Hambleton District Council's plans to build 900 homes between the town and village.

The group wants the council to look more closely at brownfield sites in the area.

Group spokesman Tony Webster said: "Hambleton's figures show that, in the past five years, it has rejected plans that would have led to another 1,500 homes being built in the Hambleton district.

"Even if it considered only half of those applications suitable, it would go a long way to resolving many of the problems the council now faces.

"We want Hambleton to look again at proposals to develop the many brownfield sites throughout the district."

Hambleton planning officer Mick Jewitt said: "Although the north Northallerton development is the preferred option, we are not tied to it."

Mr Jewitt said the council would look to develop brownfield sites where possible, but this was not always an option owing to the geography of the area.

He said: "We would always look, first of all, for brownfield sites in sustainable locations.

"This is not the sort of area where there is a large reserve of under-used and derelict land."

Mr Jewitt said people had been given the opportunity to comment and more than 800 responses were received.

He said responses would be looked at carefully before the council decided on a final portfolio of sites for consideration.

A decision is expected by July.