THE scene of an arson attack which killed two jockeys is to be visited by councillors before they make a decision on a plan to re-build the flats.

Planning officers recommended that Ryedale councillors should give permission for the owner of Buckrose Court, Norton, to carry out major changes to the property, in Commercial Street, where young jockeys Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson perished in a blaze more than a year ago.

But members of the planning committee said they were concerned about the lack of amenity space and the size of the living accommodation.

Coun Howard Keal said: “There is an air of discomfort about this. It is so sensitive that we must be spot on.”

Coun Elizabeth Shields said she was concerned that there was no communal living space and successfully moved a site visit by councillors, while Coun Jane Wilford added: “Where is the amenity space? It it seems very inadequate.”

The plan, put forward by the property owner, Alan Foster, involves changing the use and altering the ground floor and dining room of Buckrose House to form three additional en-suite bedrooms and a manager’s bedroom.

Gary Housden, the council’s planning manager, said the property was fully-licensed as a house in multiple occupation with 13 bedrooms.

He said the new lay-out would have a good means of escape with fire resistant doors. The means of escape had been an issue during the investigation of the fire tragedy, said Mr Housden.

“Accordingly, it was considered appropriate to carry out consultation in relation to fire safety.”

The scheme involves a “re-configuration of the whole area”.

Mr Foster had told the council that there was a waiting list for accommodation.

And he added: “Tenants stay in their own rooms and don’t use the communal areas. They have been a waste of space.”

In the last 10 years the 13 rooms have been available, the dining room and lounge had not been used by the tenants, he added.

Coun Lindsay Burr said: “I am not happy with the plan. It has become a place for people to live by default.”

She said the amenities were “cramped” adding “the living units are very small”.

The committee is expected to make a decision on the scheme next month following the site visit.