Pub’s plan for treehouses opposed by many villagers

A plan to create three luxury treehouses in the grounds of an 18th century coaching inn has stirred controversy in a village near Pickering.

The owners of the grade II listed Fox And Hounds Country Hotel in Sinnington have lodged a planning application with Ryedale District Council to add to the inn’s 14 bedrooms with timber treehouses which could be let for up to £500 a night, saying there is demand for further accommodation.

Agents for the inn said extra income from the treehouses would ensure the continued conservation of an 18th century designated heritage asset in a conservation area.

The treehouses would be sited on the pub’s eastern boundary, blending with the existing trees, but extra landscaping and tree planting would further screen the proposal.

The application states the treehouses would be “in keeping with the surrounding rural context”.

The scheme has attracted support from some residents, describing them as “sympathetic to the country area”, and that it represented a “wonderful opportunity to create a fantastic, interesting holiday experience”.

However, the proposal has infuriated numerous villagers who believe guests staying at the seven-metre high treehouses would create latenight noise and have uniterrupted views over their homes and gardens.

One objector said: “To say these proposed treehouses will not have any visual impact is ridiculous.”

Another resident wrote: “The height of the buildings will make them visible from many areas including from the main street.” Another wrote: “The charges they are suggestingforrentingthesetreehouses are beyond belief.”

Ahead of a decision, the authority’s conservation officer has said the treehouses would introduce an alien domesticbuilt element into an undeveloped area.