DOZENS of full-time jobs are to be created after Hambleton councillors approved plans for 70 holiday cottages along with leisure facilities near Thirsk.

The proposals are to expand Woodland Lodges holiday complex at Carlton Miniott, which already offers 39 caravans and 13 lodges to rent.

A leisure centre has been given the go-ahead which will include a swimming pool, gym, soft play area, shop and cafe.

This will be accessible to both tourists and local residents with parking provided.

Coppergreen Developments Ltd originally submitted plans for 85 holiday lets but this was reduced to 70.

Using figures for 85 lodges outlined in the plans, it is estimated the new development would create around 80 to 90 full-time jobs.

If the lodges have a predicted 85 per cent occupancy rate there would be around 930 visitors per week, or 48,500 a year.

If these visitors were to spend an average of £5 per person per day in the local area, this would result in around £850,000 being injected into the local economy each year.

Councillor John Noone said: “We are talking about the expansion of an existing development and a new clubhouse which will be open to the local community so it will have many benefits.

“We are meant to be a business friendly council so I am more than happy to approve the plans.”

Amendments were made to original plans as the access road to the site is to be widened to improve passing places.

However, a spokesperson for nearby residents aired concerns about the increased traffic which may cause queuing problems and risk of accidents off the A61.

The lack of footpaths next to the roads was also mentioned, which councillors urged developers to consider.

Councillor David Blades said: “My concern is the loss of land and the development doesn’t seem necessary as this isn’t in an area of high unemployment.

“It comes down to how important it is to lose the agricultural land against the need for new holiday lets.”

Carlton Miniott Parish Council queried drainage plans and noted the existing problems with foul drainage in the village.

Members also believed plans for the leisure facilities were out of character with the area therefore amendments were made to reduce the size of the building.

New proposals state the building will be a 6.4m high single storey with a curved shape.