A FREE-RANGE poultry unit for 12,000 hens on a 30-acre site looks likely to win the go-ahead, despite protests from a council.

Councillors at an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council in Knaresborough on Tuesday are being recommended to approve the scheme. But Boroughbridge Town Council has objected to the development, saying it is commercial use of land in an agricultural area. The plan at Stump Cross Farm, Boroughbridge, had been deferred at a previous meeting amid worries about management of the project. Tabot Associates, agents for applicant D Trewitt, said the paddock system to be used was extensively proven around the country.

LOOS REOPENED: Walkers caught short while enjoying the splendour of the Yorkshire Dales will be able make a beeline for Gunnerside, now that public lavatories in the Swaledale village have reopened. Richmondshire District Council has confirmed an extensive rebuilding and refurbishment programme is now complete. The building includes facilities for the disabled. The work cost £45,000 and is part of an ongoing refurbishment programme for all conveniences in the district.

SHOW TIME: Northallerton Variety Company will stage Songs From Stage and Screen at the Town Hall, from 7.30pm, on Saturday, September 28, to raise funds for the Teesside Hospice, Northallerton's All Saints' Church and the Northallerton Bandstand Appeal. Tickets, priced £5.50, are available from Greensleeves Music in the town's Central Arcade. More information is available by telephoning (01609) 770936.

MUSIC EVENING: The Stokesley Support group of the Teesside Hospice will present a charity musical evening at Stokesley Methodist Church on Saturday, September 28, at 7.30pm. The Betty Middleton Festival Choir will perform, with soloist Tim Foley. Tickets are available by phoning (01642) 711096 or Teesside Hospice Fundraising on (01642) 355866.