A PUB landlady has blasted a "petty" planning decision to refuse permission for a children's play area.

City of York Council turned down an application to put up four swings, a slide, and a climbing frame in a field at the back of the Nag's Head, at Askham Bryan, following four complaints from nearby residents.

They were concerned about potential noise nuisance from excited youngsters.

But incensed landlady Karen Hirst criticised the council's handling of the application. She says one of the complaints was made by a family who has now moved away for a year and claims another complainant has not even moved in yet.

"It's absolutely ridiculous," she told the Evening Press.

"We're only talking about a few swings.

"We found out from the council officer that four complaints had been made from surrounding houses.

"Children will run around and play in the field without the equipment, so I don't see the difference.

"It amazes me that a minor application such as this can be turned down on the strength of four complaints.

"Our regulars are furious and my own daughters are very disappointed."

Mrs Hirst says they are lodging an appeal against the decision.

Pub regular Paul Yoward, who has a six-year-old daughter, Hannah, said: "There are a lot of families who would really appreciate a play area. The field is being wasted at the moment.

"The pub was there before the neighbours."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "This application was turned down on planning grounds, not just because of the neighbours' objections.

"Officers felt the play area would have an adverse impact on the lives of residents with noise and other disturbance, and that there was also the possibility that the area would start being used as a 'beer garden' with further noise and disturbance.

"It is unfortunate that we were unable to help the pub's landlord, but we have to apply the appropriate planning regulations and of course he can appeal if he so wishes.

"Anyone who owns a property is entitled to express a view on planning issues in the area of that property."

Updated: 11:44 Friday, August 02, 2002