A CARAVAN park will not be allowed to expand, after its plans were thrown out amid fears of "unbearable disruption" to neighbours.

They complained of screaming, shouting, foul language, dogs barking, loud music, litter and the constant smell of barbecues - all emanating from the park.

As reported in The Press last week, the move to expand the Robin Hood Caravan Park in Slingsby, near Malton, had split the village.

Elderly residents from Aspen Way, near the site, wrote to Ryedale District Council's planning committee: "The disruption is already unbearable. Many of us are unable to open our windows or sit out in our gardens."

They warned the picturesque rural village was "starting to have echoes of seaside resorts" like Scarborough or Filey.

But other villagers praised the site for bringing jobs and tourists to the area.

Ron Collier, leader of Slingsby's youth club, said of managers Damian and Rebecca Pond: "Since they took over in 1999 they've settled into the village very well.

"They have become involved in the village school and the youth club, and give trade to businesses within the village wherever possible."

Mrs Pond said the business had won numerous industry awards.

She said this was down to efforts to "achieve our main marketing headline: peace and tranquillity".

However, Ryedale councillors voted not to allow the site to add space for an extra 20 touring caravans or tents.

Coun Nelly Trevelyan said: "We're not here to discuss how well the business is run, that's not a planning consideration.

"We're not discussing whether they should diminish what they've got - but more isn't necessarily good. Maybe this site has reached saturation."

Coun Robert Wainwright said: "We're not talking about farm diversification, we're talking about a commercial site trying to get bigger."

And Coun Paul Andrews said the concerns of nearby residents were "quite legitimate".