An opera singer's plans to create accommodation for her students has hit the wrong note with planners.

The singer, who teaches music students in a property at Ripon, wants to build student lodgings nearby.

But planner officers have recommended refusal of the scheme, which will be considered by Harrogate borough councillors on Tuesday next week.

The application is to build six holiday cottages and a two-storey building for student living accommodation.

It would involve felling two sycamore trees behind 67 Allhallowgate, near Ripon city centre. Planning officer Jane Lurcuck said development would be over-intensive and detrimental to the setting of a listed building in a conservation area.

She said two of the holiday units would have a detrimental impact on amenity of neighbours in Princess Close.

Miss Lurcuck also said absence of on-site parking would lead to vehicles parking outside the site.

Miss Lurcuck said concern had been raised about noise and that the applicant currently uses a home and barn for teaching lessons.

"If this existing use is minimal it is classed as being ancillary to the main use of the dwelling and would not require planning permission," she said.

"However, the proposal seeks to increase the number of students. Therefore planning permission is required for change of use of the barn for teaching sessions for music students. This has not been applied for as part of this application."

The owner of a nearby property does not object to the development, but believes music students would be in residence over the summer and wants a condition imposed covering control of noise if the application is granted.

Two other neighbours have objected on the grounds that the development would change the area's character and they have expressed concerns over building on a former orchard.