A planning application for the scheme has been lodged with Hambleton District Council – it is expected to come before councillors in October.
The car park has been designed with its rural setting in mind and will use good quality design and a range of landscaping materials to work with the local environment. It will include spaces for 100 cars, five coaches and 20 caravans on land next to the under construction Bedale to Leeming Bar bypass.
Aiming to attract the Dales’ visitor to Bedale town centre, the car park will provide a convenient stopping point at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The car park aims to bring visitors back into Bedale that would otherwise bypass the town when the new road opens.
As part of the scheme, footways between the car park and Bedale will be improved enabling visitors to stock up on provisions in town, stretch their legs in Bedale Park and visit local attractions like the grade I listed Bedale Hall.
“Building the gateway car park will add to the long term vibrancy of Bedale – and is part of our economic strategy to ensure we have vibrant market towns across the district” said Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson.