A PROPOSED extension to a care home is not over development, but a greatly need service locally, councillors have decided.

Planners at the North York Moors National Park Authority recommended that an application by European Care Limited to increase the number of rooms at the Hawkesgarth Lodge Care Home, in Hawkesgarth, should be refused.

The proposal would see the site increase from 36 bedrooms to 50, with additional car parking facilities and Val Dilcock, the park's chief planning officer, felt the plan was an overdevelopment.

Hawsker-cum-Stainsacre Parish Council supported the scheme, as it was the only local 24-hour care facility.

And Councillor Tim Lawn said: "There is a real need for this type of accommodation, there are local people who will use it and I support it."

The committee voted to ignore the recommendation and approved the plan.