CAMPAIGNERS say they have not given up the fight over a council’s decision to allow an adventure centre to be built in their village.

Hambleton District Council approved plans in November for PGL to create a new activity centre in Newby Wiske, despite strong objections from nearby residents.

PGL intends to transform the historic Newby Wiske Hall - the former North Yorkshire Police HQ - and its grounds into a minibreak centre offering youngsters a range of outdoor activities.

Residents complained that the location of the site, at the heart of a quiet village, was unsuitable for such a development and they are now calling for a judicial review into the planning approval decision.

The Newby Wiske Hall Action Group, formed to oppose the development, appointed barrister who found that there were grounds for a judicial review.

These fall under three main points; whether the planning officer report significantly misled the committee, whether enough importance was placed on the heritage of the hall and grounds, and over the non-disclosure of documentation about expected noise levels at the site.

A Letter of Intent has now been sent to Hambleton Council which must respond by Monday, January 8.

Carol Bowe of the Action group said: “They are given the option to quash their decision without it going to a full judicial review.

“The fight continues, it is certainly not over yet.”

On Thursday morning around 20 residents and Action Group members staged a protest walk in the hall’s grounds after they were told they were no longer allowed access.

Villagers had gotten used to being allowed to walk their dogs on a nature trail in the grounds over many years, but this privilege was withdrawn on Wednesday.

Notices put up by North Yorkshire Police state that there is now restricted access and people who do not have the express permission of the force will be considered to be trespassing.

No work will take place at the site until the outcome of the legal action.