CAMPAIGNERS met their Waterloo yesterday when planners decided there was nothing to prevent a couple from knocking down an outside toilet to make way for a patio in their back garden.

Marilyn and Keith Handley knew they needed the permission of the North York Moors National Park Authority to demolish the 4ft by 4ft privy and duly applied.

However, their plans seemed at risk when both the parish council and the Council for British Archaeology objected.

Both claimed that, as it is part of the Grade II listed Burnharbour Cottage, in Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire, the toilet should remain.

"During the late 19th and 20th Centuries, the provision of an outside privy at a property was a huge step forward in providing services to the populace," said a spokesman for the archaeology council.

"It reflected the recognition of the importance on health grounds of proper sanitation and, as such, is part of the social history of the area."

But, in the end, national park planners felt the community could do without a ramshackle building, with a pronounced list to one side and an unfortunate odour.

"There was some debate on the matter but members were able to look at pictures and designs and, when they realised the toilet was only a small part of a bigger outbuilding, they voted to approve the application," planning chief Val Dilcock said yesterday.