Plans for £8m holiday park behind village pub

Plans have been lodged for an £8m holiday park in a North Yorkshire village.

The scheme, by the owners of the Black Horse Inn in Kirkby Fleetham, would include 24 holiday lodges, a shop, spa and motorhome parking.

Two large ponds and two padel courts have also been proposed for land behind the pub.

The application to North Yorkshire Council has so far received 39 objections and 20 submissions in support.

Documents in favour stated the holiday park would help to "protect and sustain" the existing hospitality business, boost the local economy and provide 24 full-time jobs.

The report added the development would "provide good-quality services and would add to the quality of life for residents of the local community".

However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said the plans had divided opinion in the area.

One objector said: "The proposed large-scale development, located at the centre of the village, is entirely out of character with the existing scale and nature of the area.

"It would dominate and overwhelm the village setting."

Another said: "There would be a significant increase in noise and light pollution from the sports activities and activities associated with the holiday lodges."

Other issues raised by concerned residents include worries over highway safety, the risk of flooding, sewage capacity and the loss of a wildlife habitat.

Some local residents have backed the scheme.

One said: "I support this application. I believe it will add very useful facilities to the village and support the Black Horse in difficult financial times."

Another said: "I strongly support the proposed plans and hope the application is granted.

"As a resident of the village, I believe we are lucky to have a local business willing to invest such a large amount into the local area."

The Black Horse is owned by the Fat Badger Group, which owns hotels, pubs and restaurants across York and North Yorkshire.

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