It wasn't something that 15th Century prophetess Mother Shipton forecast but her cave in Knaresborough has been spared from new neighbours.

Councillors have united in a unanimous vote against an outline planning application to develop 30 holiday cottages and flats alongside the Mother Shipton Cave tourist attraction in the town.

Harrogate Borough Council planning officer Andy Hough recommended refusal of the scheme on the Dropping Well estate, saying the homes would be an inappropriate development in a green belt area.

He said development would have a detrimental impact on the character of Knaresborough Conservation Area and the Nidd Gorge Special Landscape Area.

The Environment Agency objected because no information had been provided about flood risk assessment for the site near the River Nidd.

Knaresborough Town Council also opposed the scheme, saying it was concerned about the sensitive area of green belt. It also called on the applicant to enter a legally binding agreement to revoke existing permission for 30 caravans in the area.

The Mother Shipton's wishing well - and its waters which turn items into stone - are one of Knaresborough's main tourist attractions.

Popular items turned to stone by the waters include teddy bears, cardigans, umbrellas, shoes and caps.

Some of the recent curiosities include a cap once owned by actor Lionel Jeffries and underwear provided by comedian Sid Little, of Little and Large fame.