A plan to turn a former stately home into a residential school for children with learning difficulties has been rejected.

The scheme, at Goldsborough Hall, a Grade II*-listed building near Knaresborough, drew more than 800 objections.

Members of the area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council voted against the plan eight to two.

But because they voted against the advice of planning officers, they must reconsider the application next month.

Jamie Search, chairman of Goldsborough and Flaxby Parish Council, who led the protests, said: "We are delighted that commonsense has prevailed. But this is just round one. We must now come back for a second hearing next month."

The hall was, until recently, a Bupa care home.

The planning application was tabled by Bupa so that the Senad Group could turn the home into a residential school for 27 people, aged eight to 19, who have severe and complex communication and learning difficulties. They are also said to have challenging behaviour.

During the 1920s, the hall became the home of the late Lord Harewood and Princess Mary, only daughter of King George V.