DEVELOPERS behind a £16m scheme to transform a former prison to a “leisure and retail destination” have asked for planners views on their scheme, ahead of a public consultation.

Wykeland Group have asked Hambleton District Council for a screening opinion whether an environmental impact assessment will be needed for its impending planning application to build retail buildings and a cinema building on the former Northallerton Prison site.

It is understood the proposed cinema would be the first purpose-built one in Hambleton District for about a century. Earlier this year, Lidl was announced as the retail anchor for the redevelopment and would take a 21,000sq ft unit in the Treadmills scheme, creating up to 40 jobs.

Councillor Mark Robson, the authority’s leader, said he wanted to ensure the scheme, which will also feature another 6,000sq ft retail unit and parking for around 130 vehicles, would be integrated with the town’s High Street by creating walkways.