PLANS to build up to 30 homes on land adjoining Skottowe Crescent, Great Ayton, have attracted scores of objections amid warnings the plans could damage the setting of historic sites in the village.

A design and access statement put forward by David Holmes Properties on behalf of applicant H. W. Mawer Charitable Trust states "the intention is to create a development of exceptional design and quality which would blend with, rather than detract from, the setting of the conservation area".

The statement continues: "The potential developers of this site ... are proposing a unique scheme of bespoke houses in traditional materials, appropriately laid out and landscaped – taking a design lead from the historic, core of the village and with easy pedestrian access to it."

Fifty per cent of the homes would be affordable "because of the high demand in the village". The largest group of affordable houses would be eight single storey dwellings created around a landscaped courtyard.

However the proposal, which is for outline planning permission, has attracted numerous objections, with some relating to the access, but many more to the proximity to historic sites in the village.

Historic England is among the objectors on heritage grounds. In its response to the consultation, Suzanne Lilley, inspector of historic buildings and areas, said: "We are not supportive, in principle, of residential development on the application site.

"We do not consider that this proposal preserves or enhances the special interest of the Grade I listed Church of All Saints and Grade II* listed Ayton Hall, nor the character and appearance of Great Ayton Conservation Area.

"Development on this site will result in a fundamental change in its character from rural agricultural land to an extension of the modern housing estate. It is difficult to comprehend how the application site could be successfully developed in a manner which would not harm the rural character of this area and the setting of the highly graded listed buildings and conservation area."

One local objector wrote: "One of the primary reasons for tourism to Great Ayton is the link to Captain Cook and All Saints Church is where he and his family worshipped and several of his relatives are buried.

"The Planning Inspectorate in a review of Hambleton Local Plan concluded that developing land north of All Saints Church would cause material harm and it could not be outweighed by the benefit of 30 dwellings. The site is therefore not justified."

Separately, plans have also been submitted for a 26-unit holiday chalet park at Newby Farm, Newby, close to the Hambleton District and Middlesbrough council boundaries.

Access to the site would utilise an existing track that runs in east to west off the B1365 Stokesley Road.

A design and access statement said the proposals "provide an attractive, functional, accessible, safe and low maintenance development within a desirable tourist location".

However reaction to the application, which is for full planning permission, have been mixed, with several letters and emails of support and objection sent to Hambleton District Council.

One supporter said it would be a "great development for the area with an opportunity to bring more income to the local economy".

But an objector wrote the proposed site is "the final Green belt barrier between Hambleton District and the sprawling boundary of Middlesbrough".

More details of applications can be seen at www.hambleton.gov.uk

Other applications include:

S & R J Calvert has applied to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for full planning permission for works to surface a 300m section of an existing agricultural track with hardcore at land at Fremington.

M R & L E Rukin has applied to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for full planning permission to roof over an existing feeding area, by adding a lean-to extension to the west elevation of an existing agricultural building at Gatehouse Farm, Stonesdale Lane, West Stonesdale, Richmond.

The Heritage Property Group (Marske) Ltd has applied to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for listed building consent to replace defective roof trusses and to reinstate the roof over the existing building at The Sawmill, Marske.

See www.yorkshiredales.org.uk for more information