A COUNCIL leader has moved to support plans to build homes in a national park village after protests it could alter the community forever.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park authority is being asked to approve plans for 17 new homes in West Witton, near Leyburn, including eight affordable homes.

And parish council chair Dave Brown said the majority of the council were in favour of the development because they felt it would support local business, play schools, primary and secondary schools and bring younger families into the village.

He said he was speaking personally and added: “We have an ageing population in the Dale and whether we like it or not we need to retain our young people, as they are the future of the Dale. We have to take our share of much needed housing. We have no right to say ‘you can’t live here’.

Concerns had been raised by a local resident who said it would increase the village by ten per cent, destroying the appearance and character forever.

The resident claimed: “It would not be too difficult a leap to see the rest of the field being built on in future years which could mean over 50 houses on the site.”

Cllr Brown said in recent years there had been two developments with several houses and they had blended well.

He added: “Recently a letter was placed on notice boards and other areas in the village which was incorrect and anonymous, making statements about future development. This may or may not happen but I can assure the author of the anonymous letter that the present parish council will be keeping a watch over this."

He urged anyone concerned to go to council meetings and said they could contact the parish council to see the plans or look at them online.