A DECISION on controversial plans to build log cabins for holiday accommodation near military training zones has been deferred by a planning committee.

Richmondshire District Council planning committee wanted to visit the site before making a decision on the 12 log cabins to be built in Bushby Gill, near Scotton, Catterick Garrison.

Applicant Barry Raw has set out plans for the development in an area of woodland that has been unmanned for some time and is often used as a dumping ground.

The proposed scheme would include the management of the woodland to remove dead trees, and the cabins would be built with energy efficient techniques and clad in natural timber.

The area is on the edge of Catterick Garrison and 500m north of the site is a Ministry of Defence Operations in Built Up Areas facility which is used periodically for intense anti-terrorist training, including the use of firearms.

Scotton Parish Council has recommended refusal of the project because the woodland currently acts as a sound barrier between the village and training area, and 53 residents have voted against the development at a recent council meeting.

Main objections were concerned with the proximity to the military training ground, loss of public access to the wood, and possible harm to protected bat species in the woodland.

A spokesperson from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation said: “It is probable that the proposed development site will be affected by noise from training activities.

“It is not felt appropriate that holiday lets are constructed in Bushby Gill – peace and quiet may be limited on the edge of a military training area and there is concern about unintentional trespass into the training area.”

Planning officers were unable to advise members of the committee on whether to approve or reject and the decision has been deferred until a site visit has taken place.