PLANS for a holiday log cabin in Liverton Mines have been given the go-ahead.

Residents and councillors were divided after proposals were put to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for a holiday let home. Planning officers had recommended refusal.

But, following a planning committee meeting last week, plans were approved for the site at Thornlea, off Liverton Road.

The committee said it would help promote tourism in the former mining community.

Committee chairman, Coun Peter Spencer, said: "I voted against because it was outside permitted development, with Liverton being such a small village.

"But the majority view was that this type of construction can help the tourism industry."

Loftus Town Council said the proposal could set a precedent for larger holiday lets and the conversion of houses to holiday homes.

It said this could lead to a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the village.

The borough council received four letters of objection, three anonymously, but was sent 16 letters in support from local people.

Supporters said the village was in a deprived area and that the log cabin, which will be away from the main road, would bring tourism and economic benefits to the village.

Coun Dave Fitzpatrick, the council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "Everywhere is pushing for tourism now and the majority of people thought that this was a positive move.

"Liverton lies on the boundary of the North York Moors National Park and there is a shortage of quality lodgings for visitors.

"As long as it's not detrimental to the image of the village, I think it will be a positive venture."