THE owner of a children's nursery in Northallerton believes she may have lost the opportunity to argue her case for bigger premises to the town council.

Anne-Marie Cooper wanted councillors to visit the industrial estate she hopes will be the new home for Looby Lou's childcare facility.

But council members narrowly voted against the scheme at a recent meeting and are now in summer recess.

The application will be decided by Hambleton District Council's planning committee later this month.

Some town councillors were worried whether the proposed site at Finkills Way, off Yafforth Road, would be suitable for children.

But Mrs Cooper said fears about the industrial nature of the site were unfounded.

She said: "People see areas termed as industrial as dirty and noisy, but that is not the case.

"We would have liked the chance to put our case to the town council. We have had lots of letters of support, saying how important this facility is to the town."

The application is for a building to cater for up to 96 children, including some with disabilities.

The nursery caters for children at risk and those in foster care or with special needs.

Mrs Cooper said; "The town council was worried about traffic movements on the estate, but we deal with all that now with no problem."

She added: "We have done all we can for now. It is in the hands of the planning committee."