A SUCCESSFUL family-run village nursery supplying the horticultural industry, designers and landscapers is making a plea for a house to be built on site so the business can continue.

Brian Corner, proprietor of the Orchard House Nursery, at Wormald Green, near Ripon, is making the planning application because he said at 59 his semi-retirement was imminent.

In his plea to planners Mr Corner said it was imperative that his daughter, Sarah Benson, was on site for the business to continue. "It would be impossible for Sarah to become the key worker if she doesn't live on site. My daughter is vital to the business," said Mr Corner.

Mrs Benson, her husband and three children have look-ed for alternative housing, but say there is no affordable properties in the vicinity.

But when members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council meet on Tuesday planning officer Mike Warden is recommending refusal of the scheme.

He is not satisfied there is a justification for a second home on the site to serve the nursery, making development contrary to North Yorkshire and Harrogate Borough Council policies.

He also said the siting away from other homes in the village would result in sporadic development alongside the A61 Ripon-Harrogate Road, harming the landscape and character of the area.

Ripon Railway Reinstatement Association has been consulted because the site is close to the former Harrogate-Ripon railway line. There was also a railway station at Wormald Green a short distance from the site. Currently, Mr Corner and his wife live on site at Orchard House.

Mr Warden said the nursery was on a major bus route between Ripon and Harrogate, providing good access to off-site accommodation.

Mr Corner said in his letter that they had chosen the proposed site as close as possible to the existing house, following advice.

The application is for outline permission.