Plans to convert redundant farm buildings on the North Yorkshire coast into business workspace and living accommodation have been rejected following an appeal.

The Rural Buildings Trust, and Rural Workspace and Housing Association had wanted to carry out the scheme on buildings at North Bridge End, Downdale Road, Staintondale, near Scarborough.

The North York Moors National Park Authority rejected the scheme.

James Wilson, an inspector for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Region, has refused an appeal.

He said that the three buildings were in a poor condition, and could not be converted without major reconstruction.

"They are not of such architectural quality as to be worth retaining, nor do they make a positive contribution to the landscape," he said. Mr Wilson said the rebuilding and repair work, which would be necessary to bring about the conversion, would give the building a very new and "raw" appearance for many years.

He said the extra traffic created by the development would detract from the natural beauty of the park.

The preservation groups had said up to 10 people would have been employed on the scheme.