CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a block of 40 retirement flats on a meadow near Kirkbymoorside were recommended for refusal by town councillors.

Protesting residents packed the meeting and heard one of the objectors, Karen Tinkler, air fears about the scheme at Kirby Mills because of the area's history of flooding. She said they feared drainage problems and that the insurance premiums for their homes would rise with the increased risk of flooding if the scheme went ahead in a field near Alderson House, home of the applicant Ronald Coates, a retired local authority chief technical officer.

Ms Tinkler warned that there could be an extra 50 to 60 cars in the narrow roads at Kirby Mills, making access on to the A170 Scarborough to Thirsk road hazardous. The area needed younger families because Kirkbymoorside already had a high proportion of pension age residents.

Councillors described the scheme as "an inappropriate development" and in a green belt area outside the building line. They argued that it would be out of character with the historic buildings at Kirby Mills.

A decision on the scheme is due to be made by Ryedale District Council's northern area planning committee in the next few weeks.

Updated: 10:51 Tuesday, March 18, 2003