CONTROVERSIAL plans to create two lakes near a Ripon village have been rejected by councillors.

Members of Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council voted to refuse a planning application by Robert Staveley, who created the Lightwater Valley theme park, at North Stainley, near Ripon.

Earlier, a bid to convert barns into six holiday units and three lakes was withdrawn by Mr Staveley and an amended plan was also taken back.

Both attracted a number of objections from local residents.

The latest development is planned for Carr House Farm, close to Mickley.

Six councillors voted to reject the scheme, saying it would harm the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Planning officer Mike Warden had recommended approval.

He said the latest application had overcome objections previously raised.

The Environment Agency, a previous objector, also dropped its protest.

Councillors will have to reconsider the application at next month's meeting.