A NORTH YORKSHIRE tourist attraction has been told it can go ahead with a project to build a controversial workshop objectors feared could spoil the view.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway applied for planning permission last year to build a 40m long, 5m high workshop to store vintage carriages at its base in Pickering.

But after objections were raised by local residents, the Pickering Town Council, Pickering and District Civic Society and the Council for the Protection of Rural England, Ryedale District Council refused the application.

Now appeal inspector Graham Garnham has ruled the building work may go ahead.

After hearing concerns from nearby residents about spoiled views, loss of light and noise disturbance, Mr Garnham concluded: "Loss of light would in my view be very limited, given that the building would not be significantly higher than the carriages and would be some distance from most properties.

"Noise can be controlled by a condition.

"Even at High Mill House, which faces directly on to the railway and is the closest dwelling to the appeal site, I do not consider that the impact on living conditions would be such as to require planning permission to be withheld."

Mr Garnham also addressed fears that the building would adversely affect the Pickering conservation area.

"I consider that the proposal would respect its setting and use appropriate materials," he said.

He added: "The effect of the proposal would be to preserve the character and appearance of the Pickering conservation area."

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, May 21, 2003