A VILLAGE housing scheme, which sparked protests from residents, has been overwhelmingly rejected by councillors.

Members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council voted by six votes to one against the development on land next to Lindley House, Hungate, Bishop Monkton, near Ripon.

Councillors had earlier deferred the application to make a site visit following ten letters of objection to the scheme.

Developers wanted to convert and extend outbuildings to create one home and build four other houses in the Bishop Monkton conservation area.

Councillors backed the recommendation of refusal by planning officer Andy Hough, who said development would detract from the existing form and character of the village.

He also believed its design and layout, as well as introducing parking spaces to the forecourt of homes, would have a harmful impact on the visual amenity of the area.