AMMENDED plans have been submitted to Craven district council over a scheme to build a 300 lodge leisure centre at Hellifield flashes.

Initial proposals to seek outline permission, submitted a year ago, sparked fierce opposition from villagers - a petition attracted 1,230 names.

And a community referendum revealed that of 256 returned papers, 82 percent were against the proposal, prompting the parish council to unanimously oppose the plan.

The new amendments to the Kellwell Point scheme, submitted on behalf of the Bingley-based developer, Halton Homes, broadly relate to parking, flood control and an outdoor activity provision, lighting issues, roof plans and woodland planting.

The company claims it would create 500 jobs but opponents say it would "destroy the unspoiled peace and rural beauty of North Yorkshire's famed Hellifield Flashes" alongside the A65.

It is home to the protected Great Crested Newt, which move from 'flash' to 'flash', and other protected species that winter in the location.

Opponent, Craven Councillor Chris Moorby, said the amendments did not touch on the number of lodges proposed which would remain at 300.

They had reduced the lodge parking spaces from 370 to 345 and hotel and general parking from 251 to 210.

They suggested that Gallaber pond should be managed by an independent ecology group and there should be flood control area as opposed to a lake with wetlands.

"If it goes ahead it will do absolutely no good for the residents and the villages of Hellifield and Long Preston, only the profits of the developers," he said.

"It will double the footprint of Hellifield, be seen from the moors above Long Preston and from

the moors above Hellifield, which lie in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

"It will be said that it will create jobs but it is well known that wages in the tourism industry are not very good. Will anyone working there be able to purchase a dwelling in the vicinity? I doubt it."

The company claims it would create 500 jobs but opponents say it would "destroy the unspoiled peace and rural beauty of North Yorkshire's famed Hellifield Flashes" alongside the A65.

The closing date for comments is Friday, September 15 - planning number is 42/2016/17496.