BUSINESS tycoon Paul Sykes has been given final planning clearance to build a permanent on-site home for a warden to improve security at his wildlife reserve.

Mr Sykes, who lives in the Studley Roger area, near Ripon, owns about 300 acres of land and is carrying out work including hedge and tree planting and the creation of large meadows.

The man who spearheaded the Meadowhall Shopping complex, in Sheffield, made a personal plea for the application to be granted at a meeting of the Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council.

Councillors approved the building of agricultural storage on the site with a one bedroomed home for the warden.