OVER 200 letters of representation have been received by the district council in respect of two planning applications at Peel Green, in Hellifield.

The applications have been made by Wellock Property Ltd, of Calton, through Skipton agents, Rural Solutions.

They are for the part demolition and change of use of The Granary buildings to create group holiday accommodation, glasshouse, extensions and alterations, parking and access, kennels and gym. They were validated on June 21.

The second application is for the demolition and replacement of Keepers Cottage with new group accommodation for tourists, cycle storage, off-street parking, access and associated works. This was validated on July 2.

Both sites are near Hellifield Peel Tower, a scheduled ancient monument which is privately owned.

The design and access statement accompanying the applications states both developments will ‘create guest accommodation which will form part of the client’s wider business plan to focus on providing a high-end leisure experience in the local area’.

The statement adds that the increase in guest accommodation will be a ‘significant boost to the local economy with many spin-off benefits. The proposal will create accommodation which is linked to the client’s other businesses, including The Angel pub and restaurant, at Hetton’.

Among the objectors to the scheme are Francis and Karen Shaw who own Hellifield Peel Tower.

Mr Shaw, who is an architect, says he is concerned about the scale of both developments which will see both footprints increased; the Granary development by a further 202 square metres - currently 359 - and Keepers Cottage more than doubled by a further 135 square metres - currently 128.

He said: “It is important that the council considers the setting of a scheduled monument as per the adopted policy, the health and wellbeing of neighbours, nuisance, noise and light pollution.”

Mr Shaw says the size of the development and amount of proposed accommodation would create a large number of increased vehicle journeys along the shared public Right of Way, which has only two passing places. He also raises concerns over the potential future use of a proposed large glasshouse which the applicant says would be used for growing produce for the Hetton restaurant.

Other objectors raise concerns about potential noise nuisance, loss of privacy, inadequate access, increase in traffic and the affect on the local ecology.

The Environmental Health department suggests that if the plans are approved, a condition be attached that it be ‘used solely for the purpose of group accommodation as described’.

Highways has offered no objections to both planning applications.