THE owners of a sanctuary for injured birds are appealing against a decision by councillors to close it down.

Neil and Juliana Fowler have been running Scotton Owl and Raptor Rehabilitation in their garden since 1998, but had to apply for retrospective planning permission to turn it into a sanctuary following expansion and increasing objections to it from nearby residents.

On Tuesday, Richmondshire District Council environment and planning committee refused to grant permission for the application.

Coun Dave Leadbeatter said: "These particular premises are situated in a quiet and narrow cul-de-sac and I feel this application will only increase the traffic using it. This enterprise is up and running, and we are not here to permit someone to do something, we are here to decide if we legalise what is already taking place.

"From a personal point of view, the applicants' activities can be applauded and if this site was in another position I would whole heartedly support it. But it's in a quiet residential area and the impact will be detrimental, and halve the amenities of the other residents."

He raised concerns over the construction of the buildings, number of visitors to the site and noise. He added that the officer's condition, which proposed to allow a maximum number of 31 birds at the sanctuary, was also too high.

However, there were letters in support from residents and from young volunteers who help at the sanctuary.

Coun Tom Burrows said: "I've read the correspondence and listened to people who are for it, and I feel in many ways this bird sanctuary is a pleasure. This actually puts a feather in the cap for Richmondshire."

Mr and Mrs Fowler are now to appeal against the decision.

Mr Fowler said that if the sanctuary was closed, it would be the birds which suffered, and a number would have to be destroyed as suitable homes would be impossible to find.

Letters to the Editor: page 23.