A SUSTAINABLE holiday company has won approval to expand its eco-friendly development.

Natural Retreats has ten green-themed lodges on a 54-acre site in Aislabeck, on the outskirts of Richmond.

Following approval from Richmondshire's planning committee, work on a further nine is expected to start early next year.

Like the existing cabins, they will be built from sustainable timber and glass using the latest green-building techniques.

Design features include natural sedum roofs, insulation from recycled newspaper and floor-to-ceiling special glazing and reed bed sewerage systems.

The company's operations director, Ewan Kearney, said: "The residences have already proved very popular with holidaymakers, and the additional footfall will bring a welcome boost to the local economy.

"This summer, the site has been full and, because it is our policy not to have any additional facilities on site, guests have been making regular use of local shops and services during their stay, as well as visiting the many tourist attractions in the area."

Councillors approved the scheme, subject to a legal agreement being drawn up stating that the additional units would not be used as full-time residences.

Natural Retreats has also been asked to prepare a nature conservation management plan that will be implemented in conjunction with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England.

The plan will build on work undertaken to manage and improve the 54-acre site, which has included re-seeding of wildflower meadows and the creation of ponds and wetland areas.

The company is also working on a programme of tree planting.

Natural Retreats will continue to pay a percentage of the site's annual profits to community and environmental causes, which most recently included a £1,500 donation to the community website Richmond Online and sponsorship of the town's shopping and eating guide.