A MUCH opposed planned new housing estate in Embsay which would have led to the felling of a row of trees has been thrown out by Craven planners.

Monday's planning meeting, attended by several Embsay residents, saw the 21-house plan for grassland off Main Street refused because of its impact on the conservation area and the nearby war memorial.

Councillors also refused it because of the impact on road safety caused by additional traffic using Laurel Croft.

Tim Sharp, of Patchwork Properties, agent for applicants MJ and R Brooksbank, said the proposed development would remove uncertainty over the future of the site.

He said it was a carefully designed scheme aimed at getting the best out of the site and suggested objections put forward by the highways authority could be overcome.

But spokesman for objectors Brian Shuttleworth and Embsay with Eastby Parish Council urged refusal of the scheme on the grounds of its impact on the village and the cumulative impact of it and other housing applications in the village.

Principal planning officer Mark Moore told the committee that the highways authority had recommended refusal on road safety grounds and had indicated it would give evidence if the applicants decided to go to appeal.

In addition, although the council's own conservation advisor had believed refusal on conservation grounds could not be justified, English Heritage had raised objections.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority had also raised objections, along with 124 from the public, including the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

The site, behind the village hall, includes a row of protected trees at the front of the site and an avenue across the middle, some of which would have had to be felled for the development.

The houses, including eight affordable, were a mixture of one to four bedroom detached and semi-detached, with 29 parking spaces and nine garages.

Cllr Chris Harbron (Cons), who moved officers' recommendation to refuse, said he was concerned about the loss of trees and the breaking of the current wall along the site with driveways.

Cllr Alan Sutcliffe (Cons), who seconded refusal, said Embsay neither needed nor wanted the development.

He added English Heritage had been clear in its objection and it was the duty of the council to support that.