A ROW has broken out over plans to build a massive 140-bedroom accommodation block at a top North Yorkshire boarding school.

As one of the leading independent schools in the country, Ampleforth College says it competes against Harrow and Eton, and needs the extra accommodation block to house both boys and the increasing number of girls coming to the college.

But conservationists are objecting to the proposals because there are fears the building encroaches into the countryside - an area of outstanding natural beauty - and the materials to be used are unsuitable.

Percy Featherstone, chairman of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Advisory Committee, said it was concerned that the proposed location represented a significant move away from the main campus and into more open countryside.

"We do feel, however, that this area of the campus has the potential to accommodate future development, but it must be more closely linked with the core of the campus," he said in a letter to the district council planning authority.

Advisers from English Heritage said they were disappointed with the design of the proposed building, which is to be constructed with hardwood slats weathered to a silver-grey colour on the upper walls, with lower walls constructed from terracotta stone.

A planted roof with shrubs and grass is being considered to help the building blend in.

Alison Fisher, historic areas adviser, said: "We strongly advise that the principal material be stone with timber or other as a secondary, supporting materials and that the roof be pitched, taking references from the newly completed house."

Officials from the Abbey and College said they had explored other potential sites on the campus, including building on the nationally famous orchard and a set of tennis courts.

The orchard had to be ruled out because of its significance and remedial work necessary on the tennis courts meant that option was not financially viable.

Members of Ryedale District Council's planning committee are being urged by officers to approve the scheme at a meeting on Tuesday.

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, June 18, 2003