A COUNCIL'S parks chief has tabled a planning application to "fly the flag" of success in Ripon's award-winning Spa Gardens.

Harrogate Borough Council's director of leisure, Kevin Douglas, is hoping councillors will give the go ahead to the 5m flagpole and flag when the area planning committee meets at Masham on Tuesday.

Mr Douglas wants the flag to flutter above a bed of flowers and shrubs to mark the council winning the Green Flag award for its enhancement of the gardens.

Planning officer Pat Sutor said the only issue is of the flagpole's visual impact.

"The area is very sensitive and special, superbly maintained and laid out gardens in the conservation area and near a number of listed structures," he said.

Mr Sutor said these included the Spa Baths, gate piers at the Park Street entrance, the statue of the First Marquis of Ripon and the War Memorial. All are Grade Two listed.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Parks department is prepared to remove the flagpole if it does not win the award next year.

Mr Sutor said that, on balance, he supports the proposal and recommends councillors approve it.