A PLAN to save crumbling but important historic buildings at the heart of a gateway village to a national park is set to be reconsidered.

The North York Moors National Park’s planning committee will examine whether Kristen Livingston’s scheme to resolve structural issues on the mid-18th century structures in South End, Osmotherley is acceptable as it would “substantial rebuilding” of a property on the National Heritage List for England at grade II.

Ahead of a site visit for members to consider the impact of the proposal on Osmotherley’s conservation area, Ms Livingston has urged the planning committee to consider the fact the scheme would create a three-bedroom semi-detached home in a village where the number of families is viewed by some as a concern.

She added the building would become occupied for the first time in 80 years.

Ms Livingston said: “The neighbours either side have no objections, which is rare in Osmotherley. The school has 47 pupils and North Yorkshire Council Council has advised the school is at risk and I can’t afford for it not to be a family house if I am to do the structural work to the building.”

However, park authority officers have recommended the scheme is rejected, saying it would damage the conservation area and there was no exceptional reason for the impact on a listed building.

Member Alison Fisher said: “It is a simple and modest, but is nevertheless it is an important historic building. It sits squarely in the middle of Osmotherley, which is a good conservation area.

“To save it as proposed is not saving it all, it is doing it a considerable amount of damage. It is more suitable for a housing estate.”