CONTROVERSIAL plans for a slaughterhouse close to the stately home of Prime Minister David Cameron's father-in-law have been given the go-ahead.

It is estimated the abattoir, which will be created in the village of Sutton-on-the-Forest, near York, will process more than 9,500 animals a year.

Members of Hambleton District Council's planning committee granted permission for the development in a meeting yesterday.

That was despite strong opposition, including from Sir Reginald Sheffield, the father of Mr Cameron's wife, Samantha.

Sir Reginald and his wife, Lady Sheffield, who own Sutton Park, less than half a mile from the planned abattoir, said the development would risk harming their home's reputation as a tourist attraction.

They were not present at yesterday's meeting, at the district council headquarters, in Northallerton.

At a recent public meeting to discuss the proposals, villagers voted ten-to-one against the abattoir, citing concerns over potential odour-related problems, as well as increased traffic movement in the area.

Some 40 letters of objection to the scheme were lodged with the district council, along with a 71-name petition calling for it to be refused.

There were also about 35 letters in support of the application, which will see a former pig-rearing building turned into a slaughterhouse, eventually creating up to eight jobs.

Planning officer Tim Wood recommended the abattoir be approved.

Local resident Matthew Groom spoke against the development on behalf of villagers, along with the district council member, Councillor Mike Rigby.

Coun Rigby urged the committee to refuse the plans, saying the applicant, Chris Hodgson, had failed to demonstrate sufficient need for the facility.

Coun Geoff Ellis, a member of the committee, said: "I cannot see any reason, in planning policy, for refusing this application."

The application was granted, with the committee even allowing longer opening hours than were applied for.

It will be able to operate from 6am to 6pm, rather than 8am to 6pm as per the application.

After the meeting, Mr Groom spoke of his disappointment at the decision.

Mr Hodgson, who has been a butcher for more than 14 years, thanked those who had supported the plans.