ONE of the oldest firms of its kind in Europe fears plans for new housing could prevent it expanding in the future.

Paint and varnish manufacturer T and R Williamson, of Ripon, was founded in 1775 and sells its products around the world.

It has expressed concerns about plans to build 30 homes next to its factory, on the former British Gas site in Stonebridgegate.

In a letter to planning officials Williamson's said that despite making an offer to buy the site "it now appears acceptable for residential development".

The firm said that would be detrimental to the operation of its business, as well as restricting its ability to expand.

The company fears if the scheme goes ahead properties would be close to their boundary and believes it would be difficult to keep noise to acceptable levels for residents.

Harrogate Civic Society has objected to the loss of employment land for housing saying: "There is a massive over-provision of housing throughout the district and particularly in Ripon."

Ripon City Council has not objected but has concerns about the site entrance and wants safeguards about clearing what it says is a contaminated site.

Supporters of the application have tabled a planning statement, an employment land assessment, acoustic report and housing layout.

Planning officer Miss Jill North said the plan to develop such a large vacant site in the centre of Ripon was lacking in detail and supporting information. She also expressed concern about the loss of industrial and business land.