Malton supermarket plan for Wentworth Street approved

The developer said the scheme would create almost 300 local jobs

Planning permission for a new supermarket in a North Yorkshire market town has been granted.

More than 2,000 people, including broadcaster Selina Scott, had signed a petition opposing the development at Wentworth Street in Malton.

Developer, GMI Holbeck Land, said the scheme will create up to 290 local jobs and would benefit local businesses.

The application was approved by Ryedale District Council on Thursday.

Campaigners, including Ms Scott, who lives near the town, had argued the development was not needed.

They said that Malton already had one of largest Morrisons stores in the north of England and several smaller outlets.

It has not been confirmed which supermarket chain might be interested in acquiring the Wentworth Street site.

A rival application, by Fitzwilliam Estates, to demolish the town's livestock market and build a small food store, retail units and car park was rejected by councillors at the same meeting.