The National Trust, owner of the Studley Royal Water Gardens at Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, have been given planning clearance for restoration work on the River Skell, which flows past the abbey and gardens.

The work will focus on the canal which is part of the Skell.

The trust applied successfully to Harrogate Borough Council for listed building permission to carry out grouting, replace foundations and reconstruct the upper canal walls. They can also carry out repairs to its stonework.

The following plans have come before the council:

* A landmark North Yorkshire hotel has been refused permission to erect an illuminated freestanding sign and two advertising boards alongside the A61.

But the Red Lion Hotel, at South Stainley, between Ripon and Harrogate, has been given clearance to erect a fascia sign, illuminated menu signs, directional sign and freestanding sign.

Planners said the signs refused would have been a prominent feature resulting in a clutter of advertisements.

* A city's approach would be harmed by a scheme to create a new vehicle access and track at Bellwood Farm, Harrogate Road, Littlethorpe, Ripon, planners said.

They have turned down a planning application by Timothy Able, saying harm would be caused to the landscape because of earthworks, partial loss of a boundary hedge and introduction of a track through an agricultural field.

* A planning plea to convert a barn into living accommodation, a two-storey extension, erection of a stable and garage block and domestic curtilage has been turned down.

The council said the scheme, at Manchester House, Grantley, near Ripon, would harmfully detract from the property's existing character and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.