A FRESH attempt to redevelop a former indoor riding school in rural Bank Newton, near Gargrave, has been lodged with Craven District Council.

Last year, owners of the semi-derelict, steel framed building on a track between East Marton and Bank Newton, applied to demolish the structure and replace it with five new homes, with garages and parking.

The application by Alice Fitton was refused by the council in November, last year, on grounds including the impact of the development on nearby heritage assets, including grade two listed Newton Grange Farmhouse, and the lack of a traffic report.

Ms Fitton has now submitted a new application, this time to convert the building into eight, two storey ‘holiday lets’.

Statements supporting the application say the holiday lets while not residential will ‘reuse the building in a way that will enhance the immediate setting.’

It adds that holiday let accommodation is already present at Bank Newton, and that if allowed, the redevelopment of the school will ‘help this holiday destination to become established.’ “The site is located close to the Leeds Liverpool Canal and the proposed holiday lets will provide easy access to the canal towpath for tourists.”

Objectors say the development is inappropriate as the track is used by cyclists, walkers and horse riders and with few passing places., it will be dangerous to current residents and to the farm.

There is also concern about the listed Changeline canal bridge, which is on a tight bend. One objector adds: “There are already holiday cottages in the village, I don’t want to feel I just live in a leisure complex. These projects should enhance the local diversity in agriculture, not take over it.”