AN airfield owner claims critics have no evidence to oppose his long-running scheme to extend the venture as they go before a planning inspector.

Martin Scott has sought to develop Bagby Airfield, near Thirsk, for around four years but he has run into strong local opposition.

He lodged several plans with Hambleton District Council including early versions which looked to build an 18-bedroomed hotel, six hangers and other facilities.

The council’s planning committee refused the proposals plus later slimmed down ones entered for a three-bedroomed clubhouse, six hangers and other works.

Mr Scott sent the plans for a three-bedroomed clubhouse off to the Planning Inspectorate on appeal and the hearing starts on Tuesday, March 15.

Residents set up the Action4Refusal group to combat the scheme on several issues including a rise in noise levels and safety with more planes flying over.

As part of the public enquiry the planning inspector is to hold a meeting in the village on Tuesday (mar 15) to hear locals’ views.

Mr Scott said: "People can shout and scream on the streets but they need evidence to back it up. It’s before an inspector so he is to go on facts and evidence.

"We have done lots of surveys and the amount of noise coming from the airfield is less than the background noise in the village from tractors and things like that.

"I have had a planning application held up for four years due to some villagers who are not prepared to back up their case with evidence.

"I am used to dealing with facts and I am confident that the inspector will support us."

The plans by Mr Scott, a Leeds-based solicitor, have aroused widespread local opposition despite his claims the scheme will improve the local economy.

Mr Scott feels improving the airfield will draw in more flyers to the area who will spend locally and help out businesses.

Several parish councils including Bagby and Balk, Thirkleby High and Low with Osgodby and Sowerby want it refused.

While Action4Refusal have run a concerted and determined campaign to see the plans scrapped and the airfield scheme stymied.

An Action4Refusal spokesman said: "We will be there and we’ll be represented legally by David Cooper.

"The burden is on the developer to show that the council has got it wrong. We’re confident that that there is no strong case for allowing this development.

"There is a large opposition to this in the village and few people are in favour of it and we expect a large number of people will speak on his to the inspector."

The public meeting in Bagby is at the church hall on Tuesday. March 15 from 7.30pm when locals can make their feelings known to the planning inspector.

The public enquiry itself is to be held at the Civic Centre, Northallerton, from Tuesday, March 15 from 10am and is expected to last four days.

A range of supporters and objectors of the plans will be present to give evidence at the inquiry. The district council declined to comment before the enquiry.