COUNCILLORS have defied police advice by voting in favour of creating a children's play area in open countryside near Boroughbridge.

Members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council overwhelmingly voted to back the scheme on the fringe of Langthorpe, despite North Yorkshire Police concern.

But under new planning procedures the councillors must take a second look at the planning application by Langthorpe Parish Council because they went against planners' advice.

In a vote on the issue, seven councillors backed the scheme with one abstention.

Police had opposed the application on crime and disorder grounds, saying they had deep concerns about the safety of youngsters who would use the area.

Applicant Langthorpe Parish Council wants to create a play area, football pitch and picnic tables.

Planning officer Fiona Mackay, who recommended refusal, said the location would raise crime, disorder and safety issues and could result in an unacceptable degree of risks to the public.

North Yorkshire Police architectural liaison department listed a string of reasons causing concern.

"Such play areas should be able to be used by children in total safety while creating reassurance to parents that children are safe. This site does neither," said the police.

The application is now deferred until a final decision at a future meeting.