A NEW bombshell has been dropped in the saga of a Guisborough tenant farmer threatened by development.

Southlands Management, owners of Home Farm, has withdrawn its appeal against a planning decision, but has submitted new plans which campaigners are pledging to fight.

The Home Farm action group says the move is a ploy to bring in housing development piecemeal. A public meeting is to be held on Thursday to thrash out a plan of action. It will take place at Guisborough parish hall in Bow Street at 7.30.

Eaglescliffe-based Southlands had appealed against a North York Moors national park decision to refuse development at the site. A public inquiry was set for September.

The plans led to a public outcry. Home Farm is occupied by farmer Mr Leslie Wilkinson and his family. The family has lived there since the 20s.

A new application to the national park seeks to put corrugated metal cladding and roller doors on two Dutch barns and a lean-to at Home Farm.

This would mean the combined harvester would not be able to be garaged and fodder could not be stored. The application is likely to be considered in September or October.

Guisborough planning committee considered the plans this week and made no adverse comments. Coun Dave Punshon said: "We are delighted the appeal has been withdrawn. This latest scheme just looks like an improvement.

"The council is on record as being concerned at the treatment of the Wilkinsons by the owners and we would be against anything which exacerbates that."