PLANS to convert a former veterinary practice into a house with bed and breakfast facilities are likely to be given the go-ahead, despite objections.

Lizzie Would has applied for planning permission to convert the former vet's building on Bondgate, in Helmsley, into a seven-bedroomed property.

Planning officers are recommending that Ryedale district councillors agree to the alteration at the next planning meeting.

If given the go-ahead, Ms Would intends to use three of the bedrooms for bed and breakfast accomodation.

Although planning permission is not needed to open such a facility, Ms Would has included the provision of four car parking spaces in her proposal.

But one Bondgate resident, who did not wish to be named, said the bed and breakfast would encroach on his privacy.

He said: "We live on an extremely busy road with no front garden - our only escape from the continual and considerable noise is the small garden at the rear.

"This would be totally ruined if this application is granted by the constant coming and going of visitors who, naturally, would have no respect for our privacy."

Concern has also been expressed by the same resident and Helmsley Town Council about the increase in traffic in the area as a result of a bed and breakfast opening.

Ms Would said the venture would not create a substantial increase in traffic. She said: "Surely there would be no more to-ing and fro-ing than clients arriving and waiting for appointments and deliveries at the vets practice."

Councillors will discuss the application on Tuesday.