A RACEHORSE trainer's hopes of expanding his stables look likely to be dashed by council planners.

David Nicholls has submitted plans to Hambleton District Council for three buildings to be constructed at the Tall Trees Stud, Sessay, near Thirsk.

However, the application is likely to be rejected by councillors when they meet tomorrow because it is thought the development would harm the isolated area.

Planning permission has already been given for 27 stables on the site, but the proposals would almost treble the capacity, providing a further 50 stables.

A spokesman for the council's planning department said: "Such an intensification of the use of this site, which occupies an isolated rural location, would bring about a substantial change in the nature and character of the business on the site, to the detriment of the local environment.