PLANS to convert a disused country chapel into a house would result in the loss of an important part of a community, according to villagers.

Residents of Welburn, near Malton, are concerned about a planning application to alter and extend the former Methodist chapel.

Duncan Peake, acting on behalf of the Castle Howard Estate, said it was formally objecting to the proposals.

In a letter to Ryedale District Council, he wrote: "Parking of cars along the main street in Welburn already forms a serious hazard for drivers and pedestrians, and the proposal for more on-street parking will only exacerbate the problem.

"The estate is also aware that many local people feel that this building should be retained for the benefit of the local community, which was its intended purpose when the estate gifted the land to the Methodist ministry in 1922."

But the Reverend Mike Smith, superintendent minister of the Malton Methodist Circuit, said the congregation had dwindled to less than ten regular worshippers when the chapel was closed in August 2000.

He said: "There was no longer a use for it. The small number of people who were going there took the decision that they did not want to continue the considerable effort of maintaining the building and the offices that went with it."

Planning officers are recommending approval for the application, which is due to be considered at a central area planning committee meeting today.