AN AMBITIOUS plan to erect a beacon at the highest point on the North York Moors has been vetoed by national park planners.

The parish council at Danby wanted to put up the 6m-high structure but, after a lengthy debate, members of the park planning committee decided that because of its height, design and materials it would be obtrusive in the panoramic moorland scene.

Members heard that a beacon had stood on the site nearly 1000ft above sea level for hundreds of years and Danby Beacon had been a key radar station in the Second World War.

Group Captain Peter Townsend, the war-time hero who was romantically linked with Princess Margaret, had said it played a key part in battling the air attacks.

Don Watts, who masterminded the beacon design, told the committee that the site was unique because of its considerable historic interest. The beacon would also be a boost to the local tourism industry, which was still recovering from the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

But the North Yorkshire Moors Association said it "regretfully" objected to the beacon. "While we understand the feelings of Danby residents in wishing to mark the site, we feel that the design with imitation stainless steel flames, will be entirely out of place."

But there was considerable support for the venture, estimated to cost £7,000, which is backed by 80pc of residents in the vast Danby parish.

Robert Sword, manager of the Wykeham and Danby Trusts, said the scheme was strongly supported by Lord and Lady Downe.

"The scheme is very imaginative and gives an interesting balance between recognising an important historical landmark and a design which is both modern in concept but traditional in imagery."

He said a great deal of time and effort had been put into designing the beacon, which would replace a wooden structure which had come down three years ago because of its age.

Members of the committee said they would be prepared to see some kind of commemoration of the beacon, but in a more modest design.

Mrs Val Dilcock, the chief planning officer, said: "There are serious concerns regarding the height and design of the beacon."

She said it would be visible from a considerable distance.

"This area of Danby Beacon is one of the core areas of heather moorland where people can appreciate the wildness and solitude of the moors. This significant man-made structure would severely detract from this experience."

Members who supported the project said it would attract tourists, aid local businesses, and be an educational asset to the moors.

Updated: 09:29 Wednesday, September 18, 2002