PLANNERS say a scheme to build two blocks of terrace houses and four industrial units on a site in Ripon should be strongly resisted.

A and S Developments wants to redevelop a depot for haulage contractors Alfred Hymas Limited into two blocks of four terraced homes off Princess Road, along with the industrial units.

The site is virtually surrounded by homes in the Ripon Conservation Area.

In a report, planning officer Mike Warden said the scheme would mean loss of a useful site for industrial use.

It was Harrogate Borough Council policy, he said, to resist such develoment to provide a reasonable supply of employment opportunities, and curb development of greenfield sites.

Mr Warden, who is recommending refusal when councillors meet tomorrow to decide the issue, said the proposed access was unsuitable, provided inadquate turning in the site and insufficient parking.

Residents are also opposing the development and said commercial units would increase traffic in the area, which has been made access-only because of existing problems.

Some residents fear an increase in noise, lighting and fume pollution, as well as parking on nearby roads.

Harrogate Civic Society said the development plans appeared to make very intensive use of the site and point out that the Ripon area has an over-provision in housing of more than 35 per cent.