A COUPLE challenging a council decision to block their plans for a roof terrace said the proposal "would hardly rival the Majestic Hotel".

In a letter to Hambleton District Council, Mr and Mrs Alexander, of Oaktree Drive, Northallerton, said: "It is only 2.4-metres wide and could not accommodate a party. It is so small it would be hard to fit two people on it."

The couple are appealing against the council's refusal of their application to create a roof terrace with railings and lights at their home.

They have taken their case to the Secretary of State for the Environment.

The council's development control committee decided the rooflights and terrace would mean neighbours would be overlooked and extra noise disturbance would affect privacy and general amenity.

Mr and Mrs Alexander said there have been no objections to the scheme.

"It is considered the distance from neighbours and the absence of any objections from either parish council or neighbours should be enough to allow the appeal," they said.

The appeal will involve a site visit by an inspector.