A FARMER has put on hold plans to convert redundant buildings at his Stokesley farm into a green waste recycling unit, following objections from residents.

John Seymour, who owns White House Farm on the edge of the town, has asked North Yorkshire County Council to defer consideration of his planning application.

Mr Seymour said he was surprised by the level of feeling displayed against the proposal at a public meeting at Stokesley Town Hall on Wednesday of last week.

He is now calling for a meeting with the parish council and residents to come up with a more suitable suggestion.

He said: "I've got to find some sort of use for this site. The buildings are an eyesore - they are falling to bits and are right on the roadside going into Stokesley.

"This application was not my preferred option. I tried applying for a nursing home, but that was turned down because planning regulations said it was too far out of town. Now they are saying this application is too close to the town - so what can I do?"

Mr Seymour said he had lived in Stokesley all his life and did not want to do anything that would harm the town.

He added: "Farming is changing, as everybody knows, and we are being told to diversify. I want to do other things, but I've got to find something that is generally acceptable

"I am looking for a positive solution. If the parish council and local residents have a better idea, I am more than happy to look at that."

Coun Phil Wardle, chairman of Stokesley Parish Council, told the D&S Times that he could not comment on behalf of the council, but would personally welcome such a meeting.

He said: "I would be in favour of a meeting, but it would need the approval of the full parish council at its next meeting on December 14. It is unlikely that anything could be arranged before the new year."

* Public meeting report: see page 2