A CONTROVERSIAL planning application is due to be decided later this month.

Residents of Thirkleby, near Thirsk, are opposing a plan by Richard Sykes, of West Park Estates, to turn a disused swimming pool building into an office for two, with storage space for his classic car collection.

The plan also includes a bicycle and refuse store, the creation of a new vehicular access, car parking and landscaping.

But residents want to see the application refused when it comes up for consideration by Hambleton District Council's planning committee on May 31.

They said the development would be inches from the stable block they live in, which is a Grade II listed building, and it would also be very close to the six holiday cottages on site, which are owned by Catherine Lumb.

They also say its commercial use is not in keeping with the rest of the site - a combination of residential properties and temporary holiday accommodation.

And they are afraid that Mr Syke's collection of classic cars will lure criminals to what is a largely crime-free area.

Some residents have complained that Mr Sykes tried to intimidate them into withdrawing their objections so the application will be more easily approved.

They say a letter sent to them at the end of last year suggests that, should they oppose the plan, other less desirable schemes would be put forward. It also warned that travellers may seek to occupy the land if it wasn't being used.

But Laura Addison, from West Park Estates, said there had been a misunderstanding between the residents and Mr Sykes.

She said the cars were not of high value and would be protected by CCTV, an alarm system linked to the police and bollards. They would be there as a feature of the office, which would allow Mr Sykes to see them more often.

"We feel disappointed that the residents have felt threatened, that has never been our intention, but it has been frustrating trying to relay that this will be a peaceful, part-time office, and we have done our utmost to accommodate their views," she added.