PLANS to build three apartments on a country estate are likely to be refused permission tomorrow.

Chris Blundell and his wife want to build the accommodation at Mount St John, just outside the village of Felixkirk, near Thirsk, to house a stable groom, gardener and estate manager.

The proposals would see three apartments with three double garages built on the estate.

Mount St John is a Grade II listed building surrounded by 150 acres of land, with stabling for 23 horses.

Mr and Mrs Blundell are planning to establish gardens and reintroduce a shoot on an additional 1,500 acres of land.

A statement issued on their behalf said: "Without the approval of this development, the potential of Mount St John as a successfully-run estate may be compromised."

But planning officer Alan Harper has recommended refusal because the extra three dwellings are outside defined development limits.

The council's planning committee will discuss the proposals tomorrow at 10.30am