PLANS to expand a development of rural lodges to include a 20-bed apartment complex have concerned residents and a charity which supports open spaces.

Natural Retreats, a group of ten eco lodges at Aislabeck Plantation, on the outskirts of Richmond, have submitted outline plans to extend its Sanctuary building to improve facilities and provide 20 new apartments.

But residents say the firm, based in Cheshire, has slowly been increasing the size of the site to include weddings – which have caused light and sound nuisance they say is not appropriate for such a rural location.

A nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said the expansion would have a detrimental impact on quality of life of those who live nearby.

He said: “Noise intrusion from music, increased number of vehicles visiting the site and increased general activity throughout the day and night, and the extensive use of lighting is lighting the landscape and dark skies.

“The spread of the development across the site will have an adverse impact on wildlife, in particular, foraging bats, deer, badgers, birds of prey, amphibians and a diverse range of insect and plant life.

“The proposal represents further urbanisation of the countryside with two large buildings, four holiday units and a large car park and servicing area.”

There are also concerns from Richmondshire Landscape Trust about water drainage on the site, off Hurgill Road in Richmond.

The firm said: “The Natural Retreats core market is families, but over the years has found that there are large numbers of couples and corporate groups who do not require the space of a three bedroom lodge and seek a smaller more flexible and price compatible offering.

“Current occupancy levels have stabilised at 65 per cent as a result of the fixed offering on site, but a more diverse offering will help achieve 75 per cent and over.”

The firm said it has been operating weddings for three years and now has amplified sound strictly controlled, and the new plans would keep more guests inside rather than flowing outside, which also created noise.

Ward member Cllr Stuart Parsons attended a meeting between residents, Richmondshire District Council planning officers and Natural Retreats last week, and said it was ultimately positive.

“Natural Retreats listened to the feedback and concerns from residents and were open to finding ways to make it work.

“The opposition was coming from residents’ previous bad experience with the development so they have some work to do to convince them they can deliver the expansion without creating further problems.”

The plans are expected to be discussed by the planning committee in the coming months.