A PROTEST group has been set up to oppose plans to build a new eco holiday park in North Yorkshire.

Proposals to create an ambitious new development of 179 holiday chalets, Angrove Country Park, based between Great Ayton and Stokesley, have been submitted to Hambleton District Council.

The park was the subject of a public exhibition in August this year, where local residents’ views on the project were sought, and following feedback from the community the proposals were amended to reduce the number of chalets, enhance landscaping and increase tree planting.

The proposals also include facilities to collect visitors from Great Ayton railway station and the provision of a shuttle bus service from the site to Great Ayton and Stokesley. The developer also intends to support the delivery of the Endeavour Way cycle path between the two communities.

But a number of local people say they are concerned the development could still have an adverse impact on Great Ayton.

A spokesperson for the residents’ group Action Group Against Angrove Park, who did not wish to be named, said the development fills agricultural land which currently creates a clear between Great Ayton and Stokesley.

She said the group had a number of other concerns about the development.

“We’re concerned about a lot of issues, most particularly the likely congestion it will cause in Great Ayton, which is already congested,” she said.

“We don’t think the proposal for having a shuttle bus every 28 minutes and a bus stop installed is necessarily going to stop a family using the camp from jumping in the car to travel the three miles into the village, particularly if they’re bringing shopping back.

“We also have a strong group of visitors who come to Great Ayton regularly to enjoy the village and visit places like Suggitts Ice Creams and Petches Pie Shop. They will want to venture elsewhere for a day out.”

The group’s spokesperson said she was also worried about potential noise and light pollution and any impact on wildlife and habitats alongside the River Leven.

The group is currently putting together objections to submit to Hambleton District Council and has organised a display in Great Ayton Discovery Centre which outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal to the village, along with a petition against the plans.

No comment was available from the developers of Angrove Country Park.