COUNCILLORS have approved controversial plans for a new centre to accommodate young people in the racing industry in Middleham.

Despite objections from nearby residents and Middleham Town Council, Richmondshire District Council’s planning committee approved the change of use for Hill House and West Hill House.

The application proposes to build ten bedsits, a gym, treatment room and social space.

The main building would include a lounge, home cinema and TV room, IT room, kitchen areas and a reception hall.

An initial application to convert the grade II listed building, which sits in a conservation area, was rejected in January but has since been revised.

Racing Welfare submitted the plans in the hope of accommodating racing apprentices who may have moved away from home for the first time.

The project is supported by the Jessica Bethell Foundation charity, set up by horse trainers James and Sally Bethell following the death of their daughter Jessica from meningitis.

Although Middleham Town Council have sympathy and support the aims of the charities, it called for the plans to be rejected.

It said: “An unwarranted level of harm would be done to a listed building and Middleham conservation area and an unacceptable level of detriment would be inflicted on neighbours.”

However, Nancy Murgatroyd, current owner of Hill House, believes the approval is the right decision as “the racing industry is a cultural and economic cornerstone of Middleham”.