VILLAGERS in a community famed for lending its name to an apple have got the "pip" over a new homes plan.

The small community of Little Ribston, the first English home of the Ribston Pippin apple, near Knaresborough, has tabled a 38-strong petition objecting to plans for a pair of three-bedroomed semis near Crimple Avenue and Spofforth Lane.

Objecting residents say the outline application by Harrogate Borough Council would have an adverse effect on the area's visual character and be over intensive.

The application will be considered on Tuesday by Knaresborough area members of Harrogate Borough Council's planning committee. The land was originally bought to build council homes.

Little Ribston Parish Council says adequate off-street parking must be provided because roadside parking would create a severe safety problem near a dangerous junction.

They are also calling for a footpath from Wetherby Road to Crimple Avenue.

Planning officers are recommending approval, saying in principle housing development would be acceptable, although officers express doubts about whether two units could be acheived.

They are suggesting the number of homes and their size could be unspecified and resolved later.