A DEVELOPMENT scheme at a builder's yard which has sparked strong opposition from villagers and a parish council has been put on hold while councillors visit the site.

Truss Loft Conversions Limited tabled a planning application with Harrogate Borough Council to erect a replacement office and store at a builder's yard in Mankin Lane, Littlethorpe, near Ripon.

When members of the council's planning committee met in Ripon to discuss the issue, they were presented with 12 letters of objection from residents covering 22 issues.

The meeting was addressed by Wendy Orme, chairman of Littlethorpe Parish Council, which strongly opposed the development.

She said the parish council refuted views that there would be no noise, amenity or highway problems.

Planning officer Robin Forrester said the scheme represented an acceptable expansion of an existing rural employment and he recommended approval. But after hearing about highway issues and other objections raised by the parish council, members of the committee voted to defer a decision for a site visit on February 14.