MORE than 30 Hutton Rudby residents, meeting to discuss plans for a chalet park on the outskirts of the village, heard that the chalets at White House nurseries would each cost between £80,000 and £100,000.

Some residents were concerned about car parking at the site, particularly as a taxi business intended to continue operating there.

The meeting was organised by Coun Simon Whitfield and was attended by Mr Andy Duff, the owner of the disused nurseries. His plan was discussed last month by Rudby Parish Council.

Reporting back to the council this month, Coun Whitfield said: "The general mood at the meeting was fairly hostile."

"It came out that Mr Duff's taxi business, Hutton Rudby taxis, would continue to operate from the site. The overflow car park indicated on the initial plan would actually be parking for taxis, so that would further reduce parking for drivers, much to the concern of people at the meeting.

"Since having the meeting, some residents are looking at this plan in a more favourable light. Some think it might not be such a bad thing.

"It would be a fairly high quality development. The chalets could cost £80,000 to buy - some could be £100,000.

"At this point in time, it is not a full planning application because of a dispute over a fee," added Coun Whitfield.

The parish council vice-chairman, Coun Judith Follows, asked if there had been any clarification about funding.

Coun Whitfield replied: "That is between Mr and Mrs Duff. In general, chalet manufacturers would forward the money and provide technical expertise on site. Nearer completion, 95pc of the chalets would be sold and the remainder would be for letting."

Coun Warwick Medlock said: "Following recent floods, a number of people have concerns about drainage. However, I think the drainage from this site would go east towards Stokesley and not down into the Rudby area."

Coun Whitfield added: "I got clarification from the original owners about this. The land was sold as a nursery because it flooded continually - even in high summer. The land drains go into the mains drains towards Stokesley."