A FARM which lost its livestock to foot-and-mouth disease could be converted into a camp site.

Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority gave their consent to a pony trekking centre at Ashes Farm, near Hawes in Wensleydale, a few weeks ago.

Now, another proposal has been sent to the authority, seeking permission to use a field on the north side of the A684 on the edge of Hawes, as a camp site for up to 30 tents.

As part of the proposal, a barn would be converted into a washroom, with showers, and facilities for washing up.

With the tourist trade hit hard this year by the foot-and-mouth crisis, Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council is urging the national park to approve the project.

However, the authority's officers have recommended that members of the planning committee reject the scheme.

They argue that it would have a detrimental effect on the landscape surrounding the farm.

And as it would mean a new access road, the project would be contrary to planning policies which govern the area.