PLANS to designate a village a conservation area are dividing a community.

Ryedale District Council earmarked Wombleton, near Helmsley, as a possible conservation area because it has 13 listed buildings.

Conservation officer Emma Woodlands said the move would help to protect the village, which dates back to medieval times.

Residents called for a parish meeting after a poll of 140 households resulted in 60 voting in favour of the move and 53 against. Two papers were spoiled and 25 households did not vote.

Consultants Keith Knight Associates carried out a study that said Wombleton was worthy of conservation and outlined boundaries for the scheme.

Gary Housden, the council's development control manager, said Wombleton was one of 26 villages in Ryedale identified as potential conservation areas because of their history and character.

Every household is to receive a factsheet on the implications of a conservation area.

Resident Chris Pearson, said the consultation was "very undemocratic", but other residents commended the village council for publishing the information in a newsletter.