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

A planning meeting, attended by several residents, saw the 21-house plan for grassland off Main Street, Embsay, Skipton, 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.