RESIDENTS and community leaders in a Ryedale town say they are dismayed a large housing development has been given the final thumbs-up.

Plans by Tay Homes to build 31 homes in Kirkbymoorside were rejected this year by Ryedale planners after strong opposition from residents and town councillors.

But following a two-day appeal by the developers, a planning inspector has given permission for the scheme to go ahead.

District councillor Linda Cowling said the decision would give building firms a free hand to build more similar sites across Ryedale.

Town councillor Sheila Ridley said the whole town was disappointed.

"There is nothing we can do now - we have to rely on Ryedale District Council to ensure the conditions imposed are adhered to," she said.

The plan for homes at Westfields in Kirkbymoorside was initially rejected because Ryedale District Council planners thought there were too few affordable houses.

Town councillors objected because they said there was an unacceptable mix of housing types and that their impact would affect the surrounding landscape and surrounding residents.

But planning inspector Ruth MacKenzie decided to give the go-ahead after Tay Homes made provision for more affordable housing.

"The open corner at the junction of West Lund and Westfields needs a focal point and this scheme provides one," she said.

"The scheme adequately reflects local distinctiveness and is compatible with the fabric of the town."

Locals say unless Ryedale planners decide to challenge the inspector's decision in the courts, there is nothing they can do.

Resident Edna Howard, whose home backs up on to the proposed development site said she was appalled at the decision.

The conditions set out by the inspector relate to a restriction on the type of windows used.

Coun Cowling added that appealing against the decision in the courts was unlikely to be an option because of the immense cost.

No one from Ryedale District Planning department or Tay Homes was available for comment.

Updated: 15:20 Friday, December 28, 2001