COUNCILLORS yesterday refused a farmer planning permission to convert a field into a caravan park.

George Barker wanted to create a park with space for 40 touring caravans on his land at Kiplin, near Scorton.

The proposed site is 300 metres to the south-east of the controversial racetrack used by the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Club.

Villagers are opposed to the track, which they say creates noise and dust. The club was given planning permission to make the track a permanent venue in February.

Nineteen letters were sent to Hambleton District Council objecting to the caravan park plans, claiming it would spoil the open character of the countryside.

Yesterday, Hambleton District Council's development control committee heard further objections, including that the park would be too much for a small village to sustain, and would affect residents' quality of life.

Fifteen letters supporting the application had earlier been sent to the council by people who believed the plan would boost the local economy.

Planning officer Tom Brereton had recommended that permission be granted, but after discussing fears that there would be little for the caravanners to do in the immediate area, councillors voted nine to seven in favour of refusing the application.