A CONTROVERSIAL falconry centre is likely to be given official approval for an extension, despite strong protests.

Parish councillors and ramblers have condemned the construction of a building, to be used as falcon chambers, at the centre in Great Broughton, near Stokesley.

The centre owner, Dr Michael Robb, has now applied to Hambleton District Council for retrospective planning permission for the development at The Holme.

He is expected to gain the backing of the authority's planning committee, despite residents claiming the development would damage the nearby Millennium Wood and public footpaths.

Great Broughton parish council has voiced concerns about the extension, saying the location is "totally unacceptable."

The Ramblers Association has also objected and claimed the development would be a blot on the landscape.

A spokesman said: "Considerable effort and money has been spent on the footpaths to the east and west of the development - further development will result in a worsening of the quality of the footpaths."

However, the council has received a letter on behalf of Dr Robb, which says the chambers are essential to allow him to continue his work into the captive breeding of rare and endangered species of falcons.

The letter says the project would be "of major importance" from an ecological point of view.

And councillors are being recommended to give their backing to the development when they meet later this week.

Planning officer Helen Laws said: "The site of the building lies adjacent to the footpath, but is screened by a mature hedgerow, which is owned by the applicant.

"It is considered that if the hedgerow is retained at its present height, the impact of the building will be negligible."

She said: "Consideration has been given to all the matters raised by the parish council and local residents. In respect of the planning merits of the case however, there are no objections and approval is recommended."

The application will be considered at a planning committee meeting on Thursday, at the Stone Cross Civic Centre, in Northallerton.