OSMOTHERLEY villagers are "fed up" with the way the character of the moorland village is being "ruined".

This view was registered by the parish council at a planning meeting of the North York Moors National Park Authority, when a plan to build a large house on land off Grant Close, was discussed.

"Large town-style houses do not belong in the conservation area of a small moorland village," the council said.

The house, with five bathrooms/toilets, was more like a bed and breakfast or a guest house and was inappropriate.

Applicant Mrs M Bainbridge told the meeting she had lived in the village for 28 years before her marriage. She had five brothers farming locally and her father had served on the local agricultural society committee.

"I would like to retire to my grassroots," she said. "Being a pensioner, I do not intend to start a B&B or a guest house."

Construction of the four-bedroom house would mean demolition of a typical village barn, and concern was expressed regarding this from many residents, who are also worried about access from the narrow road and road safety problems.

Park member John Morley said: "I am astonished at what has been allowed in Osmotherley recently. This is a classic gem of a moorland village and I am concerned at the trend of modern buildings."

Recommending approval, planning officer Mark Hill said the front design of the house was acceptable in the village scene.

"Applicants are allowed some individuality to the rear, hence the more modern design, which will not be seen," he said.

Park member Helen Schroeder said: "Obviously there is a lot of local concern which I share. This is an executive home with a cottage front."

It was agreed that a decision be deferred for further information and photographs of the barns.