PLANS to create an environmentally sustainable holiday complex on the outskirts of Richmond have hit their first major hurdle.

A planning application for the scheme at Aislabeck, just west of the town, goes before the district council's planning committee for the first time next week.

But, although the local tourism office is in support of the proposal, the Council for the Protection of Rural England has now lodged an objection to the scheme.

Additionally, the Highways Authority has expressed concern over the proposed access to the site, which it claims does not have safe and adequate visibility.

District councillors are now expected to visit the site to see it themselves before deciding whether they are for or against the plan.

Richmond firm Eco Build UK wants to build the complex on open countryside between Hurgill Road and Westfields.

It intends to create 18 three-bedroomed self-catering holiday lodges, using the latest environmentally friendly technology and recycled materials.

The land to be developed covers three hectares of the 25-hectare site and the rest of the land, currently regarded as poor in ecological terms, would then be enhanced and improved.

However, the site and surrounding land is designated as an area of great landscape value.

A report to councillors also points out that one of the policies in the district's planning blueprint restricts new developments in open countryside, although it accepts the need for rural diversification.

But another policy in the plan supports and encourages forms of tourism which can be sustained without altering the character of the area.

The report adds: "To be acceptable under the terms of this policy, such development should be small-scale, low-key, low-impact, draw mainly on the countryside and heritage assets of the area and cause no harm to the landscape."

Councillors are expected to vote in favour of a site visit when they meet on Tuesday, with a final decision on the proposal to be made at a later date.