A SCHEME to create three lakes near a tiny one-street village has hit troubled waters.

Robert Staveley, who created Lightwater Valley theme park at North Stainley, near Ripon - now operated by a major leisure firm - wants to develop the lakes at Carr House Farm, Mickley, near Ripon.

Mr Staveley says the lakes are part of a Whole Farm Countryside Stewardship Agreement and Native Woodland Planting Scheme.

He aims to buy a minibus, converted for disabled, bringing people to the farm on specific dates in spring and summer.

The planning application will be heard by members of Harrogate Borough Council area planning committee at a meeting in Ripon on Tuesday.

A report to planners said access around the farm will be by four-wheel-drive electric buggies capable of traversing steep slopes, but under the supervision of a farm warden.

The warden will be employed in addition to farming staff.

Earlier, a plan to convert barns to form six holiday units, a staff cottage and three lakes on the site was withdrawn following protests by villagers at Mickley.

English Nature has backed the latest scheme, recognising efforts being made to "assist in arresting the decline of biodiversity in the wider countryside".

And the Ramblers' Association believe the development looks acceptable.

But 31 letters objecting to the scheme have been tabled by residents.

Some say the development would be detrimental to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.