Car parking problems are hampering plans to turn a pub into flats after moves to provide spaces at a nearby railway station ran into difficulties.

Planning permission to convert the Corner House Hotel at Leeming Bar into five flats had been approved by Hambleton District Council with a condition that car parking spaces were provided.

The plan was that spaces at the Wensleydale Railway site opposite the pub would be used. But consultants acting for the applicant Kevin Proctor said the situation had now changed and the railway committee were no longer prepared to enter into an agreement for the spaces for the flats.

They say the railway has plans to expand or intensify use and need the parking spaces earmarked for the project, putting Mr Proctor in a difficult position as it potentially means he cannot fulfil the car parking condition.

The owner of retailer Simply Dutch, which is opposite the Corner House and next to the Wensleydale Railway, is now objecting saying he is concerned residents of the new flats will try and use his car park.

Jason Hadlow has objected to the application to remove car parking conditions.

He said: “All proposed flats are on a busy junction and there is no ability to park outside of these dwellings. Thus residents will attempt to park 'close by'. Simply Dutch is opposite the proposed development and we have a car park.

“This car park is often used by local residents who assume they have a right to park in it. Currently I have an ongoing battle with these residents, as their use of our car park affects the ability of our customers to park. The potential for five or more cars will create a 'tipping point' and adversely affect our business model.

"If the developers would like to apply for and provide gates at our entry onto the roundabout this may mitigate the problem, however this will displace a number of vehicles from the adjacent cottages who we work with onto the public roads.

“Any argument related to historical parking for the pub should be disregarded. Pub parking took place after 5pm and was subject to an agreed arrangement with the proprietor. In summary, this element of the application should be dismissed as it is problematic, dangerous and unworkable.”

Aiskew and Leeming Bar Parish Council has now also objected to the car parking condition being lifted. A decision is awaited.