PLANS to build houses in an idyllic Ryedale village have been cautiously approved by councillors.

The proposals for development off the village green in Harton, outside York, were approved at a Ryedale District Council meeting.

Coun Allin Jenkins said members had to realise they were only approving the principle of development at this stage.

He said: "I think we need to make it known and clear that this is an outline application, we are not looking at the details."

Coun Alan Farnaby said developing the site needed to be treated with caution.

He said: "Harton to me typifies what the rural role of villages is.

"It's one of the very few that are still unspoilt by over-development, and I think we must be sure that we get this right. I have no real objection to some building in the site, as long as they fit into the design and character of the village."

Applications to develop the land, part of the Strickland Estate, were put forward by owner Sir Frederic Strickland-Constable.

Residents had expressed concerns over access to the site across the village green. But councillors said that was not an issue at this stage, and gave outline planning permission.

Resident Madge Lockwood said she would await the developers' plans with interest.

"I feel that we can't object to that piece of land being used.

"It's waste land at the moment and right for infill development."

But Mrs Lockwood said she was concerned with what exactly was planned for the site.

She said: "I would not like to see big development. When they put forward a suggestion for a terrace of four houses, I thought they could put them forward at a reasonable cost.

"You need to cater for first-time buyers, and a terrace of four homes would be available at a lower cost than if there were only two larger houses built."

Strickland Estate spokesman Roddy Bushell said that now outline approval had been given, the next stage was to look at detailed plans.

He said: "We are keen that we get it right. The estate has such an investment around the green that we do not want it wrecked either."

Mr Bushell said that an access road was likely to be a private one maintained by the estate.

The village is just outside the Howardian Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

But planning officer Paul Simpson said residents need not fear they would be losing part of the historic village green to a wider road.

He said: "The Green has been designated a Visually Important Undeveloped Area. The access road is not considered to present a form of development that would conflict with this designation."

Updated: 09:44 Thursday, February 14, 2002