CAMPAIGNERS battling plans for a large scale retirement village near their homes are angry over a local MP’s failure to support them.

Villagers in Thornton-le-Moor and nearby South Otterington, close to Thirsk, are fighting plans for a 60 acre retirement village called Thornton Gate.

Nigel and Judy Bell, owners of Shepherd’s Purse cheese company at Newsham, near Thirsk, want to build the 150 unit site at Thornton-le-Moor.

The locals feel the scheme will dwarf them and they met local MP Anne McIntosh, who covers the Vale of York, last week to ask her to help.

Instead the Shadow Environment Minister refused to offer support to the Thornton-le-Moor Action Group at the crunch meeting.

Councillor Ian Woods is chairman of Thornton-le-Moor Parish Council and he is a member of the Thornton-le-Moor Action Group.

He said: "Having been briefed by members of the action group, the parish council can only concur that they are disappointed by Miss McIntosh’s stance.

"We do however welcome the support we have from our neighbouring parish council of South Otterington and also the active support of Councillor Bob Baker who covers there.

"The parish council will now concentrate on its presentation to the district council’s development control committee on this matter."

He said her stance had caused local disappointment as neighbouring MP William Hague has lent his support to groups against planning schemes.

The scheme, then called Thornton Fields, looked to build 311 homes for 440 residents and 120 staff was unveiled last year and criticised by locals.

It was submitted to the district council and recommended for refusal but it was withdrawn before it was discussed.

This year the smaller multi-million pound Thornton Gate plan for a similar scheme was unveiled by the Bells.

The resident’s action group fears the scheme will be enlarged if an initial approval is granted by the district council.

There will be associated parking, social, medical, fitness and other facilities within the grounds.

Miss McIntosh has said: "I don’t get involved in planning matters and I’m not commenting on this one."

The district council’s development control committee is looking to debate the issue on Thursday, April 1, but it may be put back until April 29.