A SCHEME to build 17 houses at the rear of Helmsley’s Black Swan and Crown Hotels has been approved by the North York Moors National Park.

But there were objections from Helmsley Estate and the town council, which claim it would be over-development and would result in less parking.

Future re-development of The Crown Hotel could also be affected by the scheme, it was claimed. The town council objected to the window designs in the scheme. Several residents supported the plan but with concerns about land ownership and traffic.

The developers have offered £46,370 to provide open space as part of the scheme.