A SCHEME to build eight homes and six flats at the rear of Helmsley's landmark Feathers Hotel has been turned down by councillors.

Helmsley Securities had told Ryedale District Council's northern area committee that it wanted to reduce the size of the hotel by removing some substantial extensions, and the intended building site was currently a garden and part of the car park.

However, several residents objected to the scheme because of the access to Pottergate and the loss of parking at The Feathers.

Helmsley Town Council opposed the development on the grounds of it being an over-development in a conservation area. It said it feared that the increase in traffic and pedestrians on the lane from Pottergate would "cause numerous problems and accidents", and the plan involved felling trees.

North Yorkshire Highways were also concerned. Alan Martin, senior engineer, said the scheme was premature until a traffic policy had been formulated.

There was further opposition from Yorkshire Co-operative Properties, as well as from residents in Pottergate and Bondgate.

Planning officer David Butt recommended refusal of the scheme.

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, April 08, 2003