WARNINGS that two of the three surviving flocks of sheep on the North Yorkshire Moors could disappear unless an old established farming family were helped, went unheeded by the National park's planners.

The Findlay family of Quarry farm, Westerdale, Whitby, had asked for a condition on planning permission for an agricultural worker's home to be lifted.

They wanted the restriction on the original farmhouse waived to enable them to increase their collateral with the bank to expand their enterprise.

The authority was told that with the condition imposed on Quarry Farm house its value was reduced by between £80,000 and £100,000.

Newly-married Richard Findlay said he wanted to have his own home for him and his wife which was vital, while his parents owned Quarry house. The family wanted to use the farmhouse against borrowing money to buy further farm land.

Several neighbouring farmers and the NFU backed their plea.

John Hemsworth of Hollins Farm, Westerdale Side, said "The moors will deteriorate if the sheep are taken off and the Findlays have two of only three flocks left on Westerdale Moor".

But chief planning officer Val Dilcock said that to allow the application would be against park policy.

Updated: 08:57 Thursday, October 25, 2001