PLANS to build a small tea shack on the seafront at Robin Hood’s Bay have been met with strong opposition from some of the villagers.

The proposal to construct a timber tea hut serving refreshments on the so-called "quarterdeck" was discussed by the North York Moors planning committee.

The authority’s planning officer had recommended it for approval. Although he admitted there was a policy conflict between the need to attract tourism and the need to protect the appearance of the conservation area, he said that he “considered that the development would not result in any significant loss of character or amenity in this part of Robin Hood’s Bay”.

He added the location was the site of another tea hut in the 1950s. But almost 50 objections had been received, citing a large number of reasons for refusal ranging from potential noise and light pollution to impact on current businesses in the village.

Members of the planning committee decided to undertake a site visit.