A LANDMARK pub in a gateway to the Dales could soon be turned into a housing site - just six months after a similar proposal was turned down.

Owners of the Bay Horse Inn, at Burnt Yates, in Nidderdale, have applied for outline plans to develop homes on the site of the pub and car park, which overlooks the village cricket ground.

A similar application was turned down by members of the local area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council, in March.

On Tuesday, members will meet in Ripon to consider the latest proposal which, if approved, would involve 50 per cent of affordable homes, to be managed through a social landlord or housing association.

Recommending approval, subject to an agreement being signed on affordable homes, planning officer Jill North said the provision of affordable properties would be an exceptional and substantial planning benefit.

Miss North said while loss of a community facility such as the pub was regrettable, it was considered that the nearby New Inn within safe and easy walking distance constituted an exception.

Clint-cum-Hamlets Parish Council has tabled a number of objections to the scheme and eight other protests have been lodged, including Burnt Yates Cricket Club and Harrogate Civic Society.

The pub, which includes a front bar, snug, lounge bar and sportsman's bar also has a 50-cover restaurant.

There are also six letting bedrooms.

Miss North said it had been indicated there had been a decline in turnover and profits since the premises were bought in August 1999.