PLANS to build an environmentally-friendly caravan park near a moorland village have been labelled a fire hazard by objectors.

Amanda Boorman has applied for planning permission to create the park on land next to her home at Murk Esk Cottage, in Goathland, near Whitby.

The site would have eight vintage caravans and a canvass marquee. A shower has already been installed in a barn and a rare vintage mobile shepherd's hut is to be used as a compost toilet.

Ms Boorman says the venture is aimed at people who enjoy simple holidays in the countryside and would also cater for school groups, people on study tours and those having painting tuition.

"It would be a form of semi-communal bed and breakfast accommodation," she said.

"The caravans have no electricity and are lit by gas lamps. A traditional canvas marquee will be provided for guests to self-cater and gather in the evening or wet weather.

"This would be lit by gas lamps and will be equipped with a gramophone and 1950s and 1960s board games."

But neighbours have objected to the development, which would be called La Rosa - camp extraordinaire.

Residents of Ivy Cottages and Firtree, at nearby Beckhole, say the park would spoil the peace and tranquillity of the area, which is a haven for wildlife.

They also fear the development would be a fire hazard.

Val Dilcock, chief planning officer for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: "The proposed operation is slightly unusual in concept and, if the applicant's rules are obeyed, the business would be low-key, utilising a compost toilet and limited site facilities as a whole.

"The proposed marquee, used as a communal space, would not have electricity and, as such, the potential for noise and disturbance would be much reduced.

"In conclusion, the proposed development is unlikely to have any detrimental impact on the visual character or appearance of the area.

"However, a development of this general type, but on a larger or more intensive basis, could lead to noise disturbance in the area and intrusion into what is a quiet and tranquil area and there have already been concerns expressed regarding the level of activity on the site."

Ms Dilcock will make her recommendation on the application to the authority's planning committee on Thursday