A SANCTUARY for injured birds of prey is fighting for survival after objections from neighbours prompted an investigation by the local planning department.

Juliana Fowler and her husband Neil have been running Scotton Owl and Raptor Rehabilitation in the garden of their home in the village since 1998.

The first complaint was made in 2000, although at the time Richmondshire District Council decided the operation was on too small a scale to constitute a change of use.

But, the sanctuary has expanded since then - and, with it, the number of objections.

Some people with homes nearby claim there are so many birds, the noise has become a nuisance.

There is also concern the operation could attract vermin, scare off the local bird population and attract more traffic to the neighbourhood.

As a result, planning officers have decided retrospective planning permission is necessary and councillors will sit down at a meeting on Tuesday to vote on the issue.

A report compiled for the meeting points out there are also neighbours who are equally in favour of the sanctuary.

Young volunteers who help the Fowlers have written letters of support pointing out that the couple have given them a constructive hobby, which keeps them off the streets and out of trouble.

Yesterday, Mrs Fowler was adamant there are no plans to expand the sanctuary further.

"We wouldn't be able to cope with any more," she said.

"My husband works and we often have to travel long distances to release birds which have recovered in the habitat where they were found. We simply don't have any more time to spare."

Planning officers conclude a compromise may be the best solution, allowing the sanctuary to continue operating, but under strict conditions.

However, the report concludes, if councillors cannot agree on what controls to impose, then planning officers will recommend the sanctuary is closed.

Officer Mairi Featherstone said: "If planning permission were to be refused, then appropriate enforcement action would need to be considered."