A SCHEME to improve security at a North Yorkshire livestock market has been given the go-ahead, despite fears that it would block out light.

Plans to re-roof Malton Livestock Market and clad the sides of sheep pens were refused in January.

There were fears that nearby residents in Victoria Road would have what little light they had in their homes and backyards blocked out.

Members of Ryedale District Council's planning committee received a new letter of objection signed by five Victoria Road residents.

In it, they wrote: "Residents in our terrace rely on the south-west aspect to allow some sunlight into our yards, which are used for drying of clothes and as our only private amenity space.

"The fact that the area of sheep pens closest to our rear boundaries is unroofed means that we receive a reasonable amount of light into our yard areas and into the rooms at the rear of the properties."

But the residents did concede they were prepared to come to a compromise agreement if the roof height was amended and Yorkshire boarding was removed from sections of the building adjacent to their homes.

Councillor Lindsey Burr said she did have some sympathy for the residents, but she voted along with other members to approve the application as it stood.

"We do seem to have a sensible compromise," she said. "The roof has been lowered and I think the residents of Victoria Road, although not 100 per cent happy, will be able to live with this."

Updated: 10:39 Thursday, May 29, 2003