NEW houses are set to be built in a Bedale village despite concerns that they will destroy an area used by three types of owl.

The proposal to build five homes in Carthorpe was recommended for refusal in a report prepared for Hambleton District Council’s planning committee which met yesterday.

Among the concerns expressed by objectors was the decimation of land used by barn owls, little owls and tawny owls as well as fears over flooding and a lack of village amenities for new families.

Andrew Cunningham, speaking on behalf of an objector, said that the five-home development would “unbalance the defined character of Carthorpe”.

He added: “The cumulative impact of the development would overwhelm this end of the village.”

Carthorpe Parish Council also submitted concerns over the proposal, saying it would represent an “unacceptable” flood risk.

Meanwhile several village residents also made objections to the scheme, raising similar concerns about flooding and the suitability of the site, as one resident said in the report prepared for the planning committee: “This is a green field site and is a regular hunting ground for barn owl, tawny owl and little owl.

“The proposed development will inevitably lead to a significant loss of habitat for these threatened birds and other wildlife.”

The council’s development manager for the south area, Peter Jones, told Thursday’s planning committee meeting: “The question really is one of whether or not members consider the development of this site to be compliant in terms of the character and form of the village.”

Committee member and ward councillor for Carthorpe, David Webster, spoke in support of the development.

He said that due to the fact that the other side of the road was already lined with houses, the development would actually balance it out.

He added: “Because I don’t think it is too much for the village, because it balances the houses on the other side, because it doesn’t take away all the green space and because the village hall and chapel could benefit from new residents, I would like to support this application.”

This was seconded by Cllr Kevin Hardisty who said: “To me this is a good development, not just for Carthorpe but also for Hambleton District.”

Cllr David Blades agreed, saying that he did not think the new houses upset the balance of the village and the application was approved.