PLANS to build boarding kennels for 20 dogs are likely to be approved despite objections from residents and a parish council.

The development is proposed for an area just outside the village of Westow, about 300 metres from St Mary's Church.

Six letters of objection have been sent to Ryedale District Council, including one from the parish council, which believes the level of noise from the site will have a detrimental effect on residents' quality of life.

Neighbour Nicholas Brooksbank, of Menethorpe Hall, said he believed the proposals were inappropriate and unsympathetic in the "particularly tranquil" area close to the church.

He said: "Apart from questions of noise and excrement on the footpath leading into the graveyard of Westow church, there is also a blind exit point on to the main road."

The location's tranquillity was also raised by church warden Donald Wilkinson. He said: "Westow church, we are told, was built in its isolated position to serve the villages of Firby, Menethorpe and Westow.

"One of its major assets is its peace and tranquillity, which will be destroyed if the plan is approved."

Despite the objections, planning officer David Butt has recommended that councillors approve the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday.

He said the proposed building reflected the traditional character of the other buildings and landscape, and will be insulated to minimise noise.