PLANS to change the entrance to grounds of a stately home near Ripon has come under fire from planners.

Planners say the scheme to pull down a listed lodge, entrance gates, piers and walls at Sawley Hall would be unduly elaborate and unnecessary as well as detracting from the rural character of the entrance.

The applicant has applied to Harrogate Borough Council to replace the entrance with new gates, piers and wing walls.

But when members of a Ripon area planning committee meet on Tuesday they are being advised to refuse the scheme.

The plan has sparked a response from York Georgian Society who regret the necessity to make the changes.

The report to councillors states: "While the applicant has sugggested revisions are needed for security purposes and ease of access this does not stand up to detailed scrutiny."

Planning officers say demolition of the lodge has not been justified and the scheme would detract from the lay-out.