A GOVERNMENT inspector has ruled that the development of a caravan park in a secluded valley near Catterick should be allowed to proceed.

The approval of builder George Armstrong's plan to create a 74-pitch caravan site at Thieves Gill, Tunstall, has brought a long-running dispute to an end.

Inspector Alan Novitzky's decision comes after months of protests about the development by residents, environmental groups and parish councillors.

The scheme, which was rejected by Richmondshire District Council, provoked a storm of protest after claims that it would threaten wildlife and have a detrimental effect on the countryside.

English Nature, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Tunstall Parish Council and the Yorkshire Naturalists Union all ob Mr Armstrong, a farmer and builder.

He lodged an appeal against the council's refusal of planning permission.

The issue went to a public inquiry, where inspector Chris Frost approved the bid, but that decision was quashed in the High Court, leading to another inquiry.

District councillor for Scotton, Pat Middlemiss, said the development would be welcomed locally.

"I have supported George all the way in this. I think that things like this are useful to the local community. It is providing local employment and it's also bringing people into the area."

In his finding, Mr Novitzky said: "I have taken into account all other matters raised but they do not outweigh the considerations which led to my overall conclusions."

He said the development's scale "in relation to the surrounding landscape would be no larger than that of the many sites recently granted planning permission for extended capacity."

He said: "The population of the proposed caravan site, when full, might exceed that of Tunstall. However, it would be physically detached from all the surroundings settlements and, apart from being one option amongst others for drinking, there appears to be no reason for caravanners to be attracted to Tunstall.

"The main venue would be Catterick Camp and Colburn which, in my view, would be well able to absorb those attracted from the proposed caravan site without harm.

"I consider the proposal to be small scale in relation to the ability of local settlements to absorb the activity generated."

No one from Richmondshire District Council was available to comment yesterday