ANIMAL carcases and dead chicks were being dumped near the site of a falconry centre, according to a planning councillor.

Such environmental concerns were spotlighted by Coun Margaret Skilbeck when considering an application for a bungalow at the centre at Great Broughton.

Coun Skilbeck also told Hambleton development control committee that dog dirt and other rubbish was left around the site.

Mr M Robb had applied to build the bungalow to house a worker for his falcon breeding business, which was set up in 1999.

It would be on the site of a caravan which has been providing temporary accommodation.

The parish council is urging refusal and a number of neighbours have sent letters of objection, expressing fears such as intrusion in the countryside, rubbish around the site, long-term objectives and complaints about the behaviour of the applicant.

The committee agreed to defer a decision, although planning officers had recommended approval.

Coun Skilbeck said: "Mr Robb's waste disposal policy seems to be non-existent."

She also said public rights of way had been blocked and that there had been "aggressive and violent behaviour."

"People are afraid to use the footpaths up there," she said.

Coun John Coulson felt the council could not continue to approve buildings along the lane to the centre without providing facilities.

But planning officer Lydia Spiller said access had been considered acceptable when the caravan was set up.

Coun June Imeson said: "We are talking about environmental health here.

"Having a house built is no different if we are not addressing the problems now."

It was agreed to defer for more information on environmental and access issues.