PLANS by Skipton's Merrit and Fryers to build a row of five, three storey terrace homes on its former canal side loading bay have been narrowly approved.

The scheme received strong objections at Monday's planning committee meeting of Craven District Council, including from nearby residents and from both ward councillors, but was eventually approved after lengthy debate.

Cllr Robert Heseltine called on the building supplies firm - which is believed to be considering relocation in the future - to hold back on the plan for Firth Street and return at a future date when it was ready to redevelop the whole of its substantial site.

It was a very important and historical site in the town and required an overall plan, rather than piecemeal development, he said.

"There is a wonderful opportunity here to provide something very special that Skipton could be proud of. I think this incremental approach is wrong," said Cllr Heseltine, who nevertheless added he was in support of using brownfield sites for housing, but thought design of the terrace houses 'quite abhorrent'.

Earlier, resident spokesman, Geoff Simpson, compared the area to be developed to the 'plaza' in front of the council offices in Belle Vue Mills.

He accused the council of failing to take adequate notice of objections from the town's civic society and history society, and doubted whether it would approve the loss of its own 'plaza'.

"Look how privileged the district council employees are to have such a lovely open space to enjoy and relax," he said.

A planning agent for Merrit and Fryers, said the land was surplus to requirements and added that they had looked at concerns raised and had reduced the scheme from six to five homes.

Cllr Andy Solloway said he supported use of brownfield sites, but urged the committee to consider parking and the replacement of trees already removed.

Cllr Ian Thompson,who proposed acceptance of the officers recommendation to approve the scheme, said he was in favour of the three storey design of the new homes, which he compared to canal side developments in Amsterdam.

"You do typically see tall buildings right up against the canal, and I think this seems in-keeping, " he said.