COUNCILLORS narrowly approved a housing development which sparked protests from neighbours and objections from Ripon City Council.

At a previous meeting of the Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council, members defied officers' advice and refused the application.

Because they did so, the committee had to reconsider the application to convert two flats into six apartments at Bondgate House, 44 Bondgate, Ripon.

Five councillors voted for approval, four against and there were four abstentions.

After the earlier refusal, information was supplied by the applicant showing a right of way over an existing access and drive. This was backed up by a solicitor's letter and deeds.

Nineteen residents wrote objecting with one in support.

Concern was expressed that the properties would be sub-let to Leeds Federated Housing Association, not satisfying a local need and having a bad effect on a nearby child minding business.

Residents also feared extra street parking and traffic congestion and devaluation of their properties.

Ripon City Council said the development was over-intensive and lacked enough parking at a busy junction.

Ripon Civic Society gave its backing to the conversion, saying it would benefit the preservation of the listed building.

Planning officer Linda Drake said revised plans had overcome concerns about overlooking other properties and access.

Mrs Drake said the sub division of the property was acceptable and would not have a detrimental impact on future occupiers or neighbours.

The scheme would not impact on the physical fabric and character of the listed building or the character of the area, she said.

She said parking and access arrangements were also acceptable.