A meadow in Kirkbymoorside is to be developed for housing despite protests from residents who pleaded that the land should be protected.

Members of Ryedale District Council's northern area planning committee approved a scheme by Lindrick Homes to build 14 homes between Feversham Drive, Piercy End and New Road, on the edge of the market town on the A170 Thirsk to Scarborough road.

Objector Margaret Roberts said brownfield land, such as the former garage site at West End, should be used for house building, not greenfield sites.

"This site is a very important part of the distinctiveness and the character of Kirkbymoorside," said Mrs Roberts. "It is a beautiful place. Let us keep it that way."

She said the objectors were particularly concerned about another access being built on to the A170. "Another turning off the main road, so near the roundabout, could be potentially dangerous to pedestrians, particularly children, and cyclists," she said.

"Many use this land for walking, dog-walking, sheep and horse grazing, and a valuable retreat into nature" said Mrs Roberts. "Why destroy such an asset as this?"

Several other letters opposing the development were received by the committee.

But town planning consultant Janet O'Neill said the plan had previous outline permission previously but it had lapsed.