A CAMPAIGN by residents to block a plan to build homes on a prominent beauty spot site looks likely to succeed.

Members of North York Moors National Park's planning committee are being recommended to reject the scheme, which is earmarked for land at Sledgates, Fylingthorpe, near Whitby.

About 100 residents sent letters and a further 46 signed a petition against the scheme.

They claim that the four terraced homes will be built alongside a narrow country lane which has poor visibility, and will put the safety of children at Fyling Hall School at risk.

In addition, they claim an ancient monk's trod, an ancient monument, will be threatened and "a beautiful meadow" will be destroyed.

A fire engine driver told the committee that the road is difficult, with steep gradients and the proposed site is on a sharp bend.

Another objector made clear their opposition, saying: "To sanction the proposed development would be completely contrary to the aims and objective of the National Park."

Fylingthorpe Parish Council, the Residents' Association of Fylingdales, the local Women's Institute and the village trust have also opposed the scheme. The trust says an ancient hedge would be destroyed.

Chief planning officer Val Dilcock says in a report that the main issue is the design of the properties but the scheme put forward was "not good enough to approve".

The committee meets next week.