PLANS for a controversial housing development in a North Yorkshire village have been deferred.

Despite letters of objection from the parish council and villagers living in West Rounton, the building of 13 houses was recommended for approval by planning officers. But Hambleton planning committee put back the application yesterday amid concerns about flooding.

"There will be a development of some description because it is in the district-wide local plan," said Coun June Imeson,

Councillors expressed fears that surface water drainage on the site was inadequate and the land nearby had already been flooded.

"It would be extremely foolish to decide anything until the present water situation is sorted out," added Coun Imeson.

The committee agreed to defer the application on those grounds and because of concern about highways and access to the site.

It was the fifth time the proposals by Wimpey Homes had come before the planning committee.

Residents fear the development at White House Farm would swamp the village and there would be no room at nearby Appleton Wiske school, which is full.

The scheme would increase the size of the village by about a third. At present it has 39 houses and a population of 170.

Local protest has been backed by the Council for the Protection of Rural England that says it is "too large an increase and will risk changing the character of the village."