HUNDREDS of villagers are uniting to battle against industrial development plans in a rural area.

Because so many have tabled protests about plans for two schemes at Market Flat Lane, Scotton, near Knaresborough, a planning meeting to decide the issues has been moved to larger premises.

The Knaresborough area planning meeting of Harrogate Borough Council is normally held at Conyngham Hall in the town.

But tomorrow's meeting has been transferred to the council's headquarters, in Crescent Gardens.

A large number of concerned residents is expected to attend.

The development plans have sparked widescale objections in the Scotton, Lingerfield, Scriven and Farnham areas, near Knaresborough.

One application, by Fire-crest Limited, seeks permission to build three industrial units next to Interprint at Lingerfield, Scotton.

Another application is for S and B Utilities Limited to build a detached industrial unit, also next to Interprint