COUNCILLORS have voted against the advice of planning officers and refused permission for a caravan park to expand.

The plans involved converting a former horticultural nursery site at Hollin Barn, between Thirsk and Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near the White Horse Lodge Hotel. The site already has permission for 11 caravan pitches and the owners wanted to increase the number of pitches to 34, by adding timber-clad holiday lodges.

Thirsk Town Council submitted objections to Hambleton District Council over the proposals for Evergreen Park, claiming the development was too big and would generate too much traffic.

Planning officers at Hambleton council recommended the plans were approved, stating in their report that the development would help support the rural economy in the area and planning policy supported sustainable growth and expansion of business and enterprise in rural areas.

The council received 22 letters of support for the plans and two letters of objection. Those writing in support said the development would help surrounding attractions, create employment for local people and bring more tourists and money into Thirsk.

But at a planning meeting last week, councillors voted against the recommendation on the grounds that the development was incompatible with the surrounding rural character and landscape and citing concerns about accessibility and highway safety.