PLANS to build 14 homes in the centre of a busy North Yorkshire tourist town have been met with a barrage of objections.

Helmsley Parish Council, North Yorkshire County Council, local businesses and residents have opposed the plans behind The Feathers Hotel in the town.

The application at the Grade II listed building includes the reduction in size of the hotel and the construction of 14 homes.

It would involve the removal of 11 trees, and would mean the hotel would rely on public car parking.

Ryedale District Council has received a string of letters from residents who say the development would result in higher use of a narrow road, which already serves homes and shops and would not be able to cope with any more traffic.

One letter said the development could generate a further 100 vehicles per day along the unsuitable road, which links Pottergate to local shops.

Another resident's letter said: "The quintessential charm of Helmsley is that it is, to a very large extent, unspoilt in the inner core of the village.

"I feel that should this development be allowed, it would be an indication to all future developers that Helmsley can now be modernised and old buildings, many dating back well over 100 years, demolished and replaced."

North Yorkshire County Council officers say the application is contrary to Government and county policy, and have criticised the applicant's transport statement, saying the parking and traffic information is based on figures in November - which are not realistic because the town is subject to an influx of tourists in the summer.

Helmsley Parish Council has also objected on the grounds it is an over-development in a conservation area.

They are greatly concerned about the increase in traffic and pedestrians on the lane from Pottergate, which they believe will cause numerous problems and accidents.

The Co-op has also objected, saying the applicant has indicated there is a potential pedestrian link to the town on land they own.

Case officer for Ryedale District Council, David Butt, has recommended the refusal of the application.

In a report to the planning committee he said the development did not reflect the local style, was not appropriate and would be detrimental to the conservation area.

The site would be overdeveloped and it would generate more traffic on the unadopted access road and its junction with a nearby county road.

The application will be discussed at a planning meeting at Ryedale House, Malton, on April 7, at 6pm.

Updated: 10:34 Monday, March 31, 2003