Plans to convert World War Two-era Linton Camp into major Yorkshire Dales tourist resort are approved

The tourist resort on the site of Linton School Camp will be one of the largest development schemes built since the National Park was established.

Developers Natural Land hope to start work on the hotel, spa, gym, bar, restaurant and nine holiday lodges in mid-2021.

The firm announced its intention to finalise plans for the extensive scheme after the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s planning committee voted in favour of the proposal, despite hearing there was strong local opposition to it.

Residents called on members to consider the authority’s first purpose to protect landscapes and reject the proposal, saying it was too large, would neither conserve or enhance the area in Wharfedale and would 'destroy its tranquility'.

The meeting heard while many residents’ objections related to concerns over increases in traffic, North Yorkshire County Council highways officers said the road outside the site was very under-used and with the development traffic would only increase to about ten per cent of its capacity.

But member Richard Foster, who is also leader of Craven District Council, questioned