BUILDING four town houses and a bungalow on a major route into Ripon would set a dangerous precedent, according to the city council.

The council has opposed the proposed development by The Sullivan Group, which was seeking approval of the scheme at 54 Harrogate Road, near the junction with Wendy Avenue.

The plan involves demolishing a bungalow and building homes on the site.

But Ripon City Council said approval could mean other owners of large gardens along Harrogate Road following with similar plans.

When members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council met to consider the plan, four voted for refusal, three in favour and there were three abstentions.

Because the application was recommended for approval by planning officer Mark Williams, councillors will have to reconsider the application next month.

Ripon City Council said the development would have an adverse effect on the visual character of the area, also impacting on the amenities and privacy of neighbours.

Objecting on behalf of residents in Wendy Avenue and at nearby properties in Harrogate Road and Harewood Road, Councillor Ian Humphries, of Ripon City Council, said the scheme would overintensify the plot.

Harrogate Civic Society feared the loss of several trees.

Planning officer Mr Williams said the site already had permission for three town houses and an extra property would be a more efficient use of the land.