PLANNERS will today debate proposals for a controversial camp site on farmland.

Developer Barnaby Smith wants to install up to 40 timber ‘eco-pods’ and safari-style tents or caravans on land at Baxby Manor, near Husthwaite, near Thirsk.

The plans, which will be discussed by Hambleton District Council’s planning committee, also include an amenity building and a 19m wind turbine.

Mr Smith hopes that the development, if approved by planners, will provide trendy glamorous camping - known as ‘glamping’.

Although the plans have received support from the parish council, several neighbours raised concerns about noise and the impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.

Other local residents supported the plans, saying the development would be well-screened and would bring a much-needed source of tourism to the area.

A report to members said: "The issues to be considered include whether, having regard to the tourism needs of the area, the site would be a sustainable location for the proposed development, its effect on the character and appearance of the landscape, the impact on local residents, the accommodation of traffic and flooding issues.

"The camp site is fairly large, but set back from the road by at least 60 metres.

"There are nearby public footpaths and the site will be visible, but the existing and proposed landscaping will help to screen the development from the surrounding landscape.

"The wind turbine will be clearly visible, however it is not excessive in terms of height.

"It will be reasonably close to buildings and will not be an isolated feature."

Planning officers are recommending that the application be approved, subject to a number of conditions.

The committee meets at 1.30pm, at Hambleton civic centre, in Northallerton.

Members will also discuss a pub landlord’s retrospective application for the siting of a marquee.

David Hawksworth, owner of the Fox and Hounds pub, in Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, is seeking planning permission for the 6.5m marquee, which has stood in the grounds of the pub since last year.

Officers are recommending the application be refused, saying it contravenes planning policy.