PLANS for a caravan site to meet the trend for equestrian-based holidays have been given the green light.

Hall Farm on Strensall Road applied for planning permission to demolish some agricultural buildings and use the land to create pitches for 17 touring caravans between April and October.

They said the site would meet a growing demand for holidays with horses.

But City of York Council officers said the application should be refused because the land lies within the green belt and special circumstances do not outweigh the harm.

Cllr Mark Warters, speaking at a council planning meeting, said: “How on earth could we ever think that looking at derelict farm buildings was somehow more appropriate for openness in the green belt than looking at a properly landscape scheme?

“I think the applicants have made that extra effort with the landscaping that’s already been carried out.”

Cllr Janet Looker added: “I cannot see how encouraging any provision of horse stabling and horse holidaying should be viewed as detrimental to the green belt. You can’t put horses in the city centre. I mean we might try and introduce horse riding in Museum Gardens but I think it might be a bit difficult so it seems to me a perfect site."

But Cllr Nigel Ayre said he agreed with council officers’ recommendation to refuse the plans, adding: “It is harmful to the green belt.

“What are very special circumstances? One of those key issues is the increasing trend for equestrian-based holidays.

“There’s no evidence presented that such a trend exists.”

However the plans were granted approval by a majority vote by planning committee members.