CONTROVERSIAL plans to create six holiday homes - which sparked protests from residents in a small village - have been withdrawn on the eve of a planners' meeting.

But people living in the one-road village of Mickley, near Ripon, look likely to face a second round on the issue.

Robert Staveley, who created Lightwater Valley theme park at North Stainley, which is close to Mickley, has withdrawn the application, ahead of a meeting at Masham, today, to decide the issue.

A spokesman for Harrogate Borough Council planning department confirmed the application had been withdrawn, but said modified plans would be re-submitted later.

The village, which has a population of a little over 80, protested in force against the scheme.

Planning officer Mike Warden had recommended refusal of the original scheme, saying it would involve extensive new building work which went beyond what would normally be permitted.

The scheme also involved a staff cottage, car parking in a separate barn and the creation of three lakes with landscaping and new footpaths.