A COURTYARD development providing five low-cost terrace homes in the centre of Ripon has been given overwhelming approval by councillors.

The homes, and an office unit, will be built by Lee Hill Construction behind Old Market Place.

Last year, a scheme for six terrace homes on the site was refused amid fears the plan would result in over-development. There was also concern about potential noise from a pub beer garden.

Harrogate Borough Council planning officer Linda Drake told councillors that better design, lay-out and reduction in the number and size of houses in the new application had addressed earlier concerns.

Ripon Civic Society backed the need for affordable housing for young people and those on restricted incomes, but shared wider concerns about access to the site.

Although there is no on-site parking, there are four car parks within a two-minute walk, the meeting was told.

North Yorkshire County Council highway chiefs did not object to the access issue and said cycle parking was planned within the site.