OWNERS of a caravan site have failed in their latest attempt to increase the number of static caravans on land in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Members of Harrogate Borough Council voted against the scheme at Winksley Banks Holiday Park, Wink-sley, near Ripon.

Five councillors voted against the scheme, with one in favour and one abstention.

Planning officer Linda Drake had recommended refusal.

In April, the holiday park unsucessfully applied for change of use of a field from touring to static caravans.

The established site, on the banks of the River Laver, has 98 static caravans, and in their latest application, the owners sought permission to change six pitches into areas for touring caravans.

Mrs Drake said there was a presumption in favour of touring rather than static caravans, and that the application was contrary to North Yorkshire County Council policy.

She also said the use of a top field for static caravans would spoil the views of the area.

Winksley Parish Council opposed the application, saying it was unacceptable that landscape harm should continue until a screen was established.

Their report said: "If the applicant thinks the screening makes all the difference, it should be established first and then it can be seen if it is sufficient."

Individual objectors raised a number of points. One said the existing static caravan site was at full capacity.

There was also concern that the plan would lead to expansion of the caravan site.