THERE has been an angry public reaction to councillors' approval of a hospital for mentally-ill patients, possibly including some on the Sex Offenders' Register.
The hospital, in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will be based on the former HMS Royal Navy Forest Moor site at Menwith Hill Road, Darley.
There was standing room only in Ripon Town Hall when planners met to decide the application to convert buildings at the former base, and create four extensions for the controversial hospital.
Members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council voted five to four to approve the scheme, which had drawn more than 200 objectors.
At one point in the meeting the committee chairman, Councillor Nigel Simms, had to call for order.
Planning officer Mark Williams recommended approval, saying he believed the project would bring benefits in terms of employment, as well as in the community use of sports facilities.
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