PLANS to turn a country pub into two homes, and build another two in its grounds, have sparked protest.

The Stonehouse Inn, at Thruscross, in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near Pateley Bridge, has been a famous watering hole for generations.

Stonepoint Developments Ltd has tabled a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council for the housing development at the pub, which is empty but traded until summer 2002.

Thruscross Parish Council objected to the plan, backed by an 86-name petition. Members said the Stonehouse should be reopened, and almost 40 letters of objection have been sent to the borough council.

Thornthwaite-with-Padside parish council did not object but said it would like to see the pub saved.

Part of the plan is to make one of the new homes an affordable property to be let by a registered social landlord.

When the planning committee meets, at Ripon, on Tuesday, planning officer Andy Hough will recommend refusal. He said the development would have a detrimental impact on the area's appearance. His report to councillors also said the loss of a pub, which could be reopened, would affect the sustainability of the community.