VILLAGERS have spoken against the development of 19 homes "in the shadow" of a church where Richard III's son is buried.

The proposed site for development neighbours the Norman church of St Helen and the Holy Cross where Edward of Middleham, the only legitimate son of King Richard III, is thought to be buried.

Sheriff Hutton Parish Council voted against the application to build in Pecketts Yard in East End at a meeting on Friday night, resident Jo Harrison said, with the decision due to be made by Ryedale District Council at a later date.

At a public meeting held in the village on August 6, residents had turned out to give their opinion to the parish council.

Ms Harrison said afterwards: "The overwhelming view was that this was the 'wrong housing in the wrong place'. The narrow access road, parking problems, lack of infrastructure and light pollution were raised by many objectors.

"The proposal seeks to build in the shadow of the Grade 1-listed Church of St Helen where Richard's son is entombed.

"Richard III would be turning in his grave if he knew about this."

The plans submitted by Daniel Gath Homes Limited, based in Clifton Moor in York, are for eight four-bedroom, four three-bedroom and seven two-bedroom houses with associated road layout and landscaping. The two-bedroomed houses are classed as affordable housing.

The application states that the development will be well screened by vegetation and would help deliver local authority plans to build more houses in the Ryedale area.

It cites the need for more affordable homes for people and that it will "increase the range of choice and high-quality housing in the area".

About 70 submissions have been made to Ryedale District Council about the proposal.

One person wrote: "I feel that the historical and unique character of this end of the village, especially the views from East End are currently of open fields and hills... I feel that the size of the development will impact on the peace and quiet that we currently enjoy at this end of the village".