COUNCILLORS have approved plans to convert a former GP's surgery into houses after being told that rejecting the application could cost thousands.

Members of Richmondshire District Council's environment and planning committee did consider throwing out the plans for the Friary Lodge, in Richmond.

At an earlier meeting, councillors said the building was too close to pubs to be developed as housing.

They also said they wanted to protect potential office space in the town.

However, at a meeting on Wednesday, councillors approved the plans after planning officer Peter Featherstone said these reasons would not stand up if the applicant appealed.

He said: "There would be a very strong and realistic risk of costs being awarded against the council if it went to appeal."

But Councillor John Blackie, who called for the proposal to be rejected, said: "If members feel strongly enough about an application, they should be willing to go to appeal and see it through to the end."

Mayor of Richmond Councillor Stuart Parsons said office space was badly needed in the town.

He said: "Yorkshire Forward is carrying out an assessment of the need for office accommodation in the town and, therefore, we should at least wait until the outcome of that study is available."