DANBY Moor beacon supporters are resubmitting a plan with an additional model, enhanced artwork and an example of stainless steel.

The North York Moors National Park Authority controversially rejected the plan earlier this year but Danby Group Parish Council intends to resubmit it.

The parish also has an option to launch a planning appeal by April.

The resubmission was discussed at the latest parish meeting, when councillors also asked whether authority planning committee members who had voted against the plan had declared their membership of the North Yorkshire Moors Association, which had objected to the beacon.

Coun Geoff Banner, of Commondale, reported on talks with national park officers Andy Wilson and Val Dilcock.

"We've had two meetings which were very successful. Andy Wilson thought something should be done, I think, and he felt something went wrong when the application was rejected. He thought we should push the heritage aspect further. That wasn't highlighted enough in our plan.

"I thought that was just an excuse, but it gives us a footing," he added.

"Val Dilcock would not commit herself, but said she was now more sympathetic about it. The meeting was good in the end."

The consultation process surrounding the plan with Esk Valley people and conservation bodies had been excellent. So everyone was surprised at the park authority's rejection.

However, he felt the two recent meetings had clarified misunderstandings over the proposed beacon's size and appearance.

Regarding a fuel basket with decorative stainless steel flames, he said some critics did not realise the basket had a function. They thought it was just a flat, purposeless decoration. The steel would not be too shiny - it would become darkened with heat and smoke.

But parish councillors said the officials' misunderstandings was no excuse for rejecting the plan.

Coun Rita Rudsdale, of Castleton, was concerned that an artist's impression presented to the authority did not place the beacon within the context of its surrounding landscape. The image had perhaps exaggerated the structure's height and impact.

Coun Banner accepted this but said: "Val Dilcock and authority members should know the area. They should get out and have a look."

Coun Ian Dodsworth of Danby said all the required measurements were supplied with the plan. There was no justification for confusion.

While Coun Banner sympathised with the councillors' frustration, he said: "We will resubmit the plan with a 3-D model, an amended photographic impression and an example of fired stainless steel."

Parish chairman Coun Herbert Tindall is also a park authority member. He recalled: "This beacon plan started because the national park wanted innovative ideas to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The people came up with the plans and then all this happened."

On legal advice from a stand-in officer, he had left the planning meeting when the application was discussed and rejected. With hindsight, he said, he had been badly advised.

"I could have stayed inside, but not voted. If it had been the normal advisor, I'd probably have stayed.