CONTROVERSIAL plans to build fishing lakes in the North York Moors will finally be decided on.

The scheme by Mike Cowling to build at Mickbelong Farm, Urra, near Chop Gate, has suffered from several delays.

Mr Cowling aims to build three ponds and a parking area off the B1257, and the application has been revised to address safety fears.

The plan will be decided on by the North York Moors National Park's planning committee today.

It was deferred for several reasons by the park's planning committee in February, March, May, June and last month.

The plans are being objected to by Bilsdale Midcable Parish Council, mainly on safety grounds.

The council believes the road where the site's entrance is planned is an accident hotspot.

But the local branch of the National Farmers' Union supports the plan and said it was a good example of diversification.

National park officials have recommended the plan be refused.

Similar plans for two ponds on a different site were refused by the authority in August 2004 and again on appeal last year.

A plan by Mr Cowling for a building to store machinery at Mickbelong Farm is recommended for approval.