PLANS to build eco holiday chalets in woodland on the edge of a military training ground at Catterick Garrison have been branded as inappropriate by local people and the army.

The site at Bushby Gill, near Scotton, is 500 metres from the Ministry of Defence site at Whinny Hill which is used for intensive military and police anti-terrorist training including the use of firearms.

Developer Barry Raw has applied for permission to build 12 timber log cabins for use as holiday accommodation on the site.

In the application to Richmondshire District Council planning committee he says the site has historically been unmanaged and is in a poor state because of this and is often used as a dumping ground with fly tipping a serious problem.

The applicant adds that the scheme would incorporate the complete management of the woodland with the felling of dangerous and dead trees and selective healthy tree removal to secure the long term management of the woodland.

But there have been a catalogue of objections to the plans.

A spokesman for the Defence Infrastructure organisation said:”It is not felt appropriate that holiday lets are constructed in Bushby Gill. It is probable that the proposed development site will be affected by noise resulting from training activities. This includes the use of blank ammunication and training activities in the Whinney Hill complex.

“Holidaymakers expect a degree of peace and quite which may be difficult to enjoy on the edge of a military training area, especially when training is taking place. Concern is also expressed in relation to unintentional trespass onto the training area especially when training is taking place.

“The department has to ensure a safe place for training and this may be compromised by the development.”

The parish council have also objected to the plans along with more than 60 local residents who say the scheme will ruin ancient woodland, would be detrimental to wildlife and cause drainage problems.

They’re also concerned there will be no on site management and it could potentially be a white elephant with no local benefit.