COUNCILLORS are being advised to reject an application from builders to be allowed to drop plans for a picnic area by Ripon Canal.

When permission was given for a developer to build three homes near Darley Lodge, Littlethorpe Road, Ripon, planning officers say councillors were strongly influenced in their decision by an offer from the applicant to create a picnic area.

It was to have been given to Harrogate Borough Council with a capital sum towards future maintenance.

Planning officer Mike Warden said an agreement was concluded setting out a number of obligations, including the picnic area.

But when members of Ripon area planning committee meet at Pateley Bridge on Tuesday, they will consider a plea by applicant NS Morrison to drop the requirement for the picnic area.

Recommending refusal of the application, Mr Warden said the site would be for public recreation, residents and canal users, as well as those occupying homes being built on the north side of Boroughbridge Road.

"In discharging the planning obligation, the council would not only lose the freehold of land made into a landscaped picnic area, and a financial contribution to its maintenance, but would not be able to redirect that maintenance money to any other projects," said Mr Warden.