CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a barn into a cycling centre look set to be refused permission.

Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's planning committee will meet today to discuss the proposals for Field Barn, in Fremington, near Reeth.

Dales Mountain Biking has applied for permission to convert the barn into a bike hire, service and repair centre. Bunkhouse accommodation and a cafe would also be created on the site.

The company, set up nine years ago, offers courses on mountain bike riding and bike care, hires and sells bikes and organises tours and schools activities from its base at West Hagg, Fremington.

The plans have split opinion among local people.

About 20 have written to the national park authority to support the application, saying the extra tourism generated will boost the local economy. Further support has come from Sport England, Sustrans, the Cyclists' Touring Club and the editor of Singletrack magazine.

However, a similar number of local people have voiced objections.

John Gill, chairman of the Swaledale branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "This part of Fremington is very sensitive. Although the proposed use is the sort of thing that could and should be allowed within the national park, this site is too important and must be protected."

Other concerns over flood risks and access to the site have also been raised.

Stuart and Brenda Price, who run the business, said: "The cycle centre will not just be a visitor facility but a resource for the local community, hopefully encouraging and facilitating greater use of cycling with the added health and environmental benefits."

Planning officer Rachel Whaley has recommended that planning permission be refused.

She said: "A statutory purpose of the national park authority is to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the national park, and the authority also has a duty to seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities.

"However its primary purpose is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the national park.

"There is clearly a conflict between the two purposes in this instance, and where both purposes come into conflict then the first purpose of conservation must be given priority."