PLANS to provide a safe play area on disused agricultural land in a Ryedale village look set to be refused planning permission this week.

Heslerton Parish Council wants to turn a field at Carr Lane in the village into a place for local children to play.

Some parents in the village claim children have to walk along a dangerous main road to get to an existing play area just outside the village.

But residents whose homes back on to the proposed site claim their peace will be shattered if the plans go ahead.

Their opposition to the plans has gained support from some unlikely sources.

Community police officers have written in opposition the scheme, while archaeology experts are against the plan because the proposed site could potentially be historically important.

The matter is set to be considered at Ryedale District Council's central area planning meeting tomorrow.

Council planning officers have recommended that committee members refuse the application because of the disturbance it could cause neighbours.

Colin Musgrave, from North Yorkshire Police, is opposing the planned playing field because it could disturb neighbours.

"This site is not suitable for a playing field and could cause serious conflict between residents and youths," he said. "I would urge the authority to find a more suitable site which would be of benefit to the whole community."

Archaeologist Gail Falkingham, from North Yorkshire County Council, has also requested the application be refused.

"The proposed development lies within an area of archaeological significance," she said.

"It has been the subject of a landscape study for many years investigating remains dating from prehistoric through to mediaeval periods.

"I would advise that a programme of archaeological geophysical study is carried out prior to the commencement of any change of land use."

Despite a high level of opposition to the plans, they do have the support of Ryedale District Council's environmental health services.

"Although residents have the benefit of rear gardens, it is inevitable they will be aware of the activity on the proposed playing field," said Tony Stuttard, from the council's environmental health section.

"However, the playing of ball games in streets throughout Ryedale does give rise to neighbour complaints and a designated play area would appear to be preferable."

Updated: 08:31 Monday, August 12, 2002