PLANNERS are giving their backing for a 50-pitch touring caravan site at a former railway station last used by passengers 72 years ago.

The scheme at the former Masham station, near Ripon, has also been backed by Mashamshire Association of Tourism and Trade, which said a caravan and campsite close to Masham was a much-needed facility because the "town is always short of accommodation".

Members of a Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council will meet on Tuesday to decide whether to back a recommendation for approval by planning officer Jill North.

A tourist and trade association spokesman said: "All the businesses will benefit from the increased trade. The location at the edge of town is in a quiet spot, while providing easy access to the town's attractions is ideal."

However, the scheme attracted objections from Humbert's Leisure, acting on behalf of Black Swan Holiday Park at Fearby and the Slengingford Watermill Caravan Park at North Stainley.

They object because the planned site would attract a similar market and point out they are already trading generally well below potential occupancy.