A VILLAGE is divided over plans to extend a caravan park.

Six residents are objecting to the proposal for a 15-caravan site in Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond.

However, five villagers have written to Richmondshire District Council in support of the plans.

Applicant Jim Fryer already has a Caravan Club certificate allowing five caravans on the field behind The Crown pub, in Richmond Road.

The club also permits a further three caravans to pitch in another nearby field.

Residents opposed to the plans said the larger site would be an eyesore, and more traffic would cause problems on the roads.

"The area concerned is in the very heart of the old part of the village of Brompton-on-Swale, which is a conservation area," said Colin Brookes, of Richmond Road, in a letter to the council.

"The site is no more than a large back garden, which is bounded on three sides by private dwellings.

"The impact on these properties from having a 15-van caravan site within several yards of them will be enormous."

Another villager wrote: "I do not believe the middle of Brompton-on-Swale village is an appropriate site for a caravan park for 15 caravans, which will cause congestion and be an eyesore."

After listening to the concerns of residents, the parish council has also spoken out against the plans.

But among those in favour of the site is the Crown landlady Morag Mackintosh.

She said: "It can only be good business for Brompton-on-Swale - after foot and mouth, we all need it."

Speaking to The Northern Echo yesterday, Mr Fryer, who is a district councillor, defended the application.

"Nothing is going to alter," he said. "This will just mean I can have a few more caravans at the weekend.

"The site is very well screened - we've been a Caravan Club site for 35 years and half the village doesn't even know we're here."

Because Mr Fryer is a councillor, planning committee members and objectors will be making a site visit today to look at the proposal in more detail.

The application will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday. Officers recommend approval, but suggest fewer caravans be allowed.