PLANS to convert a farm building in a picturesque North York Moors village have been put on hold while National Park officials inspect the site.

Residents in Goathland are concerned about the size and scale of the development, which would see four new houses built close to St Mary's Church, in one of the oldest parts of the village made famous by TV's Heartbeat.

Jules Locker, speaking for the villagers, told members of the authority's planning committee at a meeting yesterday of their fears.

"The church area in Goathland has evolved over centuries. If a development of this scale and density is approved it will destroy the rural ambience enjoyed by local people and visitors alike," he said.

Mr Locker acknowledged that there was a serious shortage of affordable homes for young people working in the area. But he said that three and four-bedroom houses were out of reach financially for many young families.

Charles Wordsworth, speaking on behalf of the applicants, said: "There's a dire need for housing in the national park.

"We have already had a considerable interest from local families desperate to find housing in Goathland and unable to do so until now." Chief planning officer Val Dilcock told the committee that officers felt the development would be in keeping with the site, providing some much-needed housing. But members agreed to defer their decision until a site visit had been done.

Coun Bill Miller warned: "This is a very hot potato - we have got to be absolutely right about this."

Updated: 10:02 Saturday, May 31, 2003