CONTROVERSIAL plans to build two wildlife lakes at a farm near Ripon could be given the go ahead next week, despite objections from the local community.

Robert Staveley, the founder of theme park Lightwater Valley, has put forward the proposals for Carr House Farm, in Mickley, near Ripon.

If the plans are approved by Harrogate Borough councillors, two lakes will be built, with a network of tracks for tractors and electric buggies to transport people around the site.

Mr Staveley also plans to buy a minibus converted for disabled users.

He would donate the bus to Ripon Council for Voluntary Services but it would be used to bring disabled people to the farm to see the wildlife.

Objectors, including residents and parish councillors, say the farm lies within the Nidderdale area of outstanding natural beauty.

Thirty one letters were sent to Harrogate Borough Council about the application, with 25 complaining about the possible loss of wildlife in the area.

There were also worries about increased traffic on the narrow country roads.

A spokesperson for Azerley Parish Council said: "The proposed lakes would be out of character with the landscape and destroy valuable wetlands, which have long been an important habitat for wildlife."

They also said that the project was designed to create another tourist attraction, a claim that has been denied by Mr Staveley.

His agent, Graham Wilson, said: "It is a wildlife scheme and nothing to do with tourism whatsoever.

"People were worried that, because Mr Staveley had previously built Lightwater Valley, he might do something similar, but that is not the case.

"We are hopeful that it will be approved because we have agreed with all the consultees from the council, the Environment Agency and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty officer."

Councillors will discuss the plans in Dacre Banks Village Hall, Main Street, Dacre Banks, next Tuesday at 2.30pm.