NEIGHBOURS and conservation watchdogs have criticised plans for a three-storey restaurant close to homes in Harrogate's conservation area.

The restaurant would replace a two-storey block of outbuildings at the back of Cambridge Terrace, where there is a mix of residential and commercial properties.

Development control officers are urging councillors, who debate the issues on Tuesday, to reject both the restaurant scheme, and one which calls for demolition of what is already on the site. Similar plans were rejected a year ago.

Area planning officer Gillian Pinna-Morrell said there had been objections from people living in Cambridge Terrace, as well as others in the neighbourhood.

They have been backed by Harrogate Civic Society and local councillor Tony Baker.

Opponents say a restaurant with seating for more than 1,000 customers would spoil a quiet spot, which has remained untouched for more than 100 years.

They say it would be a tragedy if an unsympathetic development was allowed to replace an attractive and historic group of buildings.

But the council's economic development officer, Nigel Avison, is backing the plans, which he says would help regenerate the site. The venture would bring 15 full-time and seven part-time jobs.