A PLAN for three homes on the site of an empty chicken factory in Knaresborough's conservation area is being recommended for refusal.

A planning application has been submitted for three storey terrace homes on the site of the former meat and processing factory in Waterside, on the opposite banks of the River Nidd, once the factory has been demolished.

The houses are three-storeys in natural stone with a slate roof.

Knaresborough Town Council supports the application by RH Holmes but wants some assurance about parking and access.

Harrogate Borough Council planning officer, Sara Purvis, said the scheme should be refused because of the height and size of the development and its encroachment on the conservation area.

She also pointed out that the site is within the River Nidd flood plain and that no flood risk assessment has been submitted to support the development.

Ms Purvis also believes the development would affect neighbours.

Members of a Harrogate Borough Council planning committee will discuss the plan on Tuesday.