CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn most of a village into a conservation area have led to a furious debate among residents.

Most agree that the historic character of Wombleton, near Helmsley, should be preserved, but some say conservation status will simply increase planning restrictions and stop new houses from being built.

Wombleton Parish Council has been accused of being undemocratic after it carried out a ballot on the proposals.

It issued 140 ballot papers, 60 of which were returned in favour of the village becoming a conservation area and 53 against.

Protestors say the ballot was not fair because the papers were issued per household, not per elector. They also said that the deadline was too short, with residents having from April 21 or 22, when the papers were delivered, to April 27 to have them returned.

The objectors have since put together a petition opposing the conservation area plans and voicing no confidence in the parish council.

But vice-chairman Pat Lane said the parish council received no complaints about the voting process during the ballot period.

"It therefore seems somewhat ironic that, following the result, a disgruntled minority have produced a selective petition, comprising of people who voted no, or who did not vote at all," he said.

"A democratic ballot is the only way to test public opinion. I am aware that it is not perfect, but it is all we have got."

If the village designated a conservation area, residents would need planning permission to install satellite dishes on chimneys, front walls and roofs or put in dormer windows.

Six weeks notice would have to be given to Ryedale District Council to cut down trees and permission would be needed to add external cladding to houses.

Wombleton is recorded in the Domesday survey of 1086 and has 13 listed buildings. The present street pattern of Main Street, Back Lane and Page Lane is a survival of the medieval settlement.

Officers at Ryedale District Council have recommended that councillors support the designation of a conservation area for the village. They will discuss the issue on Thursday, at 6.30pm, in Ryedale House, Malton.