STRONG objections from the Ministry of Defence could sink plans to create four fishing lakes near two North Yorkshire air bases.

The Government's Defence Estates has protested about a planning application to create a countryside site next to the A168 at Asenby, near Thirsk.

The application will be considered by a Harrogate Borough Council area planning committee in Ripon.

In a letter to planners, Defence Estates said the development is near two airfields, 3km north east of Dishforth Aerodrome and 5km southwest of RAF Topcliffe.

It said the site would be within "birdstrike" zones surrounding both airfields and an increase in birds would pose a threat to air traffic using the two bases.

Planning officer Mike Warden, said: "Safety of military and other aircraft using Topcliffe and Dishforth airfields is a material planning consideration.

"Given the strong objection to the development from Defences Estates the development should be refused."

The application was tabled by Guy Reeds Farms and also included a clubhouse, access tracks and car parking.

The ponds would be used for coarse angling with one pond reserved mainly for wildlife.