AN APPLICATION to allow 21 static caravans onto a North Yorkshire site currently used by tourers has been rejected following town council protests.

Knaresborough Town Council said such a scheme would change Lido Caravan Park, in Wetherby Road, from a tourist facility to a residential estate.

They also expressed concern about the visual impact on what it described as a prominent site in the town.

Members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council unanimously voted to reject the proposal.

However, Plompton Parish Council did not object to the proposal, provided there was enough screening around the development.

Planning officer Andy Hough, who recommended approval on balance, said change of use would mean a potential impact all-year round from the statics, rather than the current seasonal impact, but the seasonal impact of the tourers would remain.

But Mr Hough accepted that the slope of the field on which the caravans would be based meant they would not be seen on the horizon.

There would also be screening by an existing hedgerow and extra planting.

The Environment Agency asked for a flood risk assessment to ensure there was no impact from surface water and run off.

Mr Hough said earlier applications had been refused for statics and chalets on the site, but they were much larger developments.

However the proposed development would still retain a large area for tourers.