COUNCILLORS could be landed with a bill for costs if they insist - against official advice - on rejecting plans for homes in a Harrogate suburb.

Bovis Homes wants to build 42 detached and terraced houses on land off The Avenue at Starbeck.

A development control committee, unhappy with some of the detail of the scheme including the extra traffic it would bring to the area - went against officers' advice last month and voted for refusal.

But with lawyers worried about fighting any appeal by Bovis, councillors have been ordered to take another look at the scheme.

Chief solicitor Bob Power said the reason for rejection was "not particularly strong" and could lead to an award of costs against the council in the event of an appeal.

Neighbours, together with Harrogate Civic Society and Starbeck Residents' Association have lodged 34 letters of objection, mainly on traffic grounds and the fact that two-and-a-half storey homes would be out of character in the area.

But planning officer Anne Smith said 25 of the homes could be built under an existing planning consent and the extra 17 would bring much-needed affordable housing to Starbeck.

Bovis would also pay almost £100,000 towards public open space in the area, traffic calming measures in The Avenue, and schemes to aid cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillors will discuss the proposals again next Tuesday