A FIRM which has outgrown its village site and wants to relocate has tabled a planning application for housing development in a bid to finance the move.

But the plan by Simair Graphics Equipment, to secure outline planning permission for homes at its base, at Richmond Hill Farm, Markington, near Ripon, has run into opposition.

Markington Parish Council objects to the scheme because it says the site is outside village development limits. It expressed concern about what was described as poor access.

Harrogate Civic Society has also lodged an objection, saying the scheme would conflict with the council's scheme to restrict more housing.

Planning officer Jill North is recommending refusal, saying the plan would mean loss of industrial and business land and jobs for the local workforce.