8:50am Tuesday 2nd February 2010
By Mark Foster
A HOLIDAY complex could be created on the site of an egg production and packaging plant.
Noble Foods has unveiled plans to convert the site into a 100-caravan holiday park with swimming pool and other leisure facilities.
Despite objections by the local parish council, the local county councillor and individuals, planning officials are recommending the scheme be approved.
The site covers just over ten hectares south-west of Seamer, between Middlesbrough and the North York Moors National Park, at Carr Plant, Crossland and Oakhill Farms.
Egg production and packaging at the site has been reduced recently because of the popularity of free-range eggs, and some of the buildings are unused.
Under the scheme, some buildings would be refurbished, extended and converted and a 1,600sq metre building constructed.
There would also be outdoor sports facilities, gardens, wildlife ponds, landscaping and an on-site sewage treatment plant.
However, the local parish council objected to the scheme, saying it would overwhelm Seamer and dominate the immediate area.
They also said access was inappropriate, that there would be a vast increase in traffic and cite fears of noise, fumes and light pollution.
The parish council also voiced concerns of a threat to the area’s flora and fauna and said the whole project would harm the “quiet and tranquil” area.
County councillor Caroline Seymour said: “The access is poor and the facilities in Seamer are poor, with only a pub, no shop or children’s play area.
“Such a development would be intrusive in this quiet rural setting.”
She said Seamer was already affected by speeding traffic because it was on a busy commuter route.
She said: “There would need to be traffic-calming at all entrances to the village and proper footways constructed to Stokesley for the visitors to use.”
However Hambleton District Council planning officials said that, subject to conditions, the development would “satisfactorily relate” to its surroundings.
They called it a “sustainable development with limited effects on ecology, neighbouring occupiers or highway safety”.
Councillors are being recommended to approve the scheme on Thursday.
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