HIGHWAY chiefs have recommended refusal of a scheme to increase accommodation at a landmark public house.

Vimac Leisure Ltd applied to build two detached log cabins at the Crab and Lobster in Asenby, near Thirsk.

But planning chiefs at Harrogate Borough Council have backed calls by North Yorkshire County Council highway officers for the application to be turned down.

In his report, borough planning officer Mike Parkes said problems with parking meant the application should be refused.

He said two extra parking spaces were needed and that visibility at the pub car park was impeded by plants and bottle banks.

Although Asenby Parish Council had not formally objected, it expressed concerns about parking.

A report by the council said: "The application specifies that 60 parking spaces are available.

"However, this provision is woefully inadequate whenever an event is held and many cars are parked on the roads and verge."

The application is to build the log cabins in the landscaped grounds of the pub and Crab Manor, a Grade II-listed building.

Councillors will consider the application at a meeting, in Ripon, on Tuesday.