THE controversial owner of a Great Broughton falcon breeding centre has won planning consent for a residential caravan at his site to be renewed for a year, despite 15 objections and parish council opposition.

Dr Mark Robb, of The Stables, attended the meeting of Hambleton planning committee, where consent was granted.

But there were calls for refusal and descriptions of ugly incidents between him and Great Broughton residents, chiefly regarding his fears about birds' safety and public access along a bordering footpath.

He arrived in the village in 1999 after running a falconry in East Cleveland. Complaints about him have been raised with the parish and district councils, and North Yorkshire police. Police have investigated some claims, but said the public's unwillingness to come forward had hampered investigations. No formal charges had been made.

Dr Robb does not speak to the press and the police have acted as messenger between him and the media in the past.

At Hambleton planning committee on Thursday of last week, it was claimed Great Broughton residents felt unable to object publicly for fear of reprisals and intimidation.

Great Broughton Parish Council said it represented more than just the 15 residents who had written to object. It said there had been reprisals in the past.

The committee heard that Dr Robb's caravan caused problems with litter and kitchen waste, yet on days when inspectors or the planning committee visited, the site was tidied-up.

A footpath had deliberately been made awkward and unpleasant to use, hindering use of the new millennium wood. Villagers felt an atmosphere of aggression and intimidation.

Coun David Smith, of Bedale, said: "I have some sympathy with what has been said. How long is temporary? It is three years since we gave permission for this caravan to allow the chance to show the business is viable."

Coun Margaret Skilbeck, of Great Broughton, said: "This does not meet all policy criteria. This is for a commercial business and not agriculture. Even local authority officers have had a police presence to go up there.

"If this is granted I want to see two CCTV cameras put on the land as a security measure."

But head of development Maurice Cann said there had been investment at the site and an increase in the level of birds since. Business was sustainable and he recommended permission for three years.

Coun June Imeson, of Great Ayton, suggested a one-year approval to allow concerns to be investigated.

The situation would then be reviewed. This was agreed