HUNDREDS of people are protesting at plans to build industrial units at a North Yorkshire village.

More than 100 have written letters objecting and almost 190 have signed a protest petition over the scheme at Scotton, near Knaresborough.

Scotton Parish Council said the rural community could not easily accommodate either industrial or business developments.

Firecrest Ltd has applied to build three industrial units at Market Flat Lane.

The issue will be discussed by councillors at an area planning meeting of Harrogate Borough Council on Tuesday.

A recent planning meeting deferred a decision so traffic counts could be carried out by North Yorkshire County Council highway officials.

The traffic count showed an increase of 15 per cent on Low Moor Lane in three years, which is higher than national growth rates. Traffic on Market Flat Lane is up by five per cent.

Objectors are concerned about speeding traffic and an adverse effect on the character of the village.

A parish meeting heard objections on noise, extra traffic, and pollution.

Planning officer Sara Purvis is recommending approval. She said there was no material changes in circumstances since previous planning approval was given which would warrent a different decision now.