A bid to retain a pond on a country estate near Ripon has been rejected because it poses a threat to air safety.

Refusing the application by Mountgarret Estates, planners said the pond would provide an ideal habitat for bird species, in particular feral geese, which could pose the threat to aircraft.

In addition planning officials say the pond offers little potential as a species-rich wildlife habitat.

In addition, the pond, at Stainley Hall Farm, South Stainley, is harmful to the character and setting of a Grade Two listed building contrary to national planning guidance and three local planning policies.

The estate was owned by Lord Mountgarret until his recent sudden death.