A PROPOSAL to build an airstrip at a village on the North York Moors has been turned down by a Government planning inspector for the fourth time after he ruled protected birds would be at risk.

Robert Walker wanted to create a grass runway and pilot restroom on land at his South Moor Farm at Langdale End.

But in his decision judgement, inspector Philip Major said the future of nightjars, turtle doves and honey buzzards - all protected species - could be at risk if the scheme went ahead because of the noise of aircraft.

"There would be light aircraft approaching or taking off up to 10 in any one day," he said.

"Even if restricted to five a day there could well be hundreds of take offs and landings over a period of a few months.”