MORE than 800 objections have been lodged against proposals to convert a former royal home into a residential school for children with learning difficulties.

The Senad Group wants to turn Goldsborough Hall, near Knaresborough, into a home for 27 students.

The company says the conversion would allow freedom without being restrictive, compared to a site in the middle of a town.

The students, it points out, are vulnerable in public.

Three planning applications needed to win permission for the scheme have been recommended for approval by Harrogate Borough Council.

Because of the number of objections, the planning hearing on Tuesday, which would have been held at Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough, has been moved to the borough council council chamber.

The applications have been tabled by the hall's current owners, BUPA Care Homes (GL) Ltd.

There have been more than 500 individual objections plus a 331-strong petition.

Goldsborough and Flaxby Parish Council has expressed concern that opening up the Grade II listed hall, could result in harm to the fabric and damage the character of the building.

The parish council also says it is extremely concerned about the likely impact of security fencing, and fences around a proposed hard play area, on the conservation area and neighbouring homes.

Planning officer Kate Williams is recommending deputy prime minister John Prescott be notified of the listed building application.

She has recommended that it should be approved if Mr Prescott does not call in the application for a decision.

If councillors approve the applications, a string of conditions will be imposed on the residential school.

They include raising the height of the hall's chandeliers.