PLANNERS are to view Whitby's Masonic Hall to see if its grounds could be developed for housing.

They will meet at the hall in Chester Road on Friday to discuss a scheme for 15 homes and a smaller meeting place for the Freemasons.

The project, including a new access in the centre of the site frontage, was initially put to borough council planners in 2004.

A council report said: 'Permission was then refused under delegated powers on the grounds of the impact on protected trees on the site, and also poor layout. Appeals against this decision are expected.'

At present planners are not only preparing their response to the appeal but looking at a compromise with the applicants, Ellesmere Port Masonic Hall and Basford Developments in the town.

The report added: 'There is a re-commendation to view the site and consider, in principle, how to proceed. The recommended course is to further explore the potential to achieve an alternative form of development of the site.'

According to the report, the main bone of contention with the council surrounds the access. It said: 'There are two existing accesses to the site, both of which are substandard in terms of current guidance.

'To achieve a new or improved access, some trees would have to be removed. The planning committee must decide if it would accept the loss of any trees along the frontage to facilitate the access and redevelopment of the site.'

The Masons and Basford want to demolish the hall and build a modern one, as well as 15 units comprising two-bedroomed ground and first-floor flats and three- and four-bedroomed family houses.

Kevin Povey, land consultant for Basford, said the firm had been in discussions with the council for more than a year so all parties could get this scheme right.

He said: 'We understand the sensitivity of this site and are keen to ensure it achieves a balance.

'It conforms to Government policy about building on brownfield sites and is in a great location for local amenities and bus routes.'