CAMPAIGNERS handed over their objections to controversial plans for a housing development on a car park yesterday.

The Save Our Shire (SOS) protest group is fighting plans by Richmondshire District Council to sell off Yorke Square car park, in Richmond, for housing.

The authority has drawn up a planning application for 14 flats on the land.

Members of SOS submitted 388 letters of objection and a petition containing 500 signatures against the plans. They also submitted a seven-page letter outlining their concerns.

John McDonald, chairman of SOS, said: "I think it is an amazing number of comments.

"Members went up the Dales, visiting pubs, garages and shops. I think it's interesting that they were never rejected and there was nobody willing to support the district council."

The group is concerned that the development will damage the historic environment of the town.

The council wants to sell the car park to raise money for its proposed offices in Colburn.

A spokesman for the district council said: "As with all planning applications, all comments are considered and responses set out in a detailed report for committee members to consider."

The council's planning committee will visit the car park on February 15. A meeting of the committee to discuss the issue is to be held on February 22, although this date may change.

The council says it will publicise the date and venue well before the meeting takes place.