The plans for the site went before the town council's planning committee which recommended the plans be approved.

Coun Steve Smith thought the council should ensure the National Park were aware of the strong feeling of the councillors.

He said: "I think we should write to the National Park to tell them of our strong support for the project."

Another suggestion from Coun Niall Carson was that the site should be linked to existing walkways if possible.

"This will become a great start and end location for walkers so if it is possible to join it up to existing walkways then that will be an extra bonus."

The artist's impression of the site shows how the final site opposite Cross Butts Farm could look.

The design and landscaping of the area have been considered to keep the site in keeping with the surrounding area.

The car park is lined by trees and a lake has been situated in the north-east corner.

There are spaces for approximately 450 cars, 250 of those being paved with 200 in the overspill car park.

It is linked to the major bus routes in to the town centre and the cars are protected by CCTV cameras and lighting with a waiting area for users of the park and ride service.

The county council has moved to distance itself from rumours that it is set to compulsory purchase the land.

Council spokesman Andrew Darling told the Whitby Gazette the council would not be approaching the landowner until after the planning application had gone through and only then would they know whether they were required to compulsory purchase the site.

The Whitby Gazette approached David Trotter, who owns the land, but he declined to comment on the application.

It is hoped the application will go before the North York Moors National Park planning committee in February though no decision has been taken at this time.

TO VIEW THE ARTIST'S IMPRESSION OF THE PARK AND RIDE SCHEME CLICK HERE