RESIDENTS are 'delighted' plans for new homes in Whitby have been thrown out.

Basford Developments originally applied to build eight two-storey flats and six houses and to demolish the Masonic Hall in Whitby.

It wanted to rebuild the hall further back on the site, at 141 Chester Road, to accommodate the new housing, and to create new access and parking.

But the scheme was refused by the borough council last August, and was subject to a planning appeal at the Civic Hall in June.

Government inspector Keith Durrant issued his verdict last week, saying he had dismissed the appeal as it 'wouldn't bring significant regeneration benefits to the Port', protected trees would be lost and the effect on some residents 'would be harmful'.

It was welcomed by Whitby resident Mike McCusker, who first raised the issue last year while he was still a borough councillor. He left the council in May, but still spoke at the appeal.

Mr McCusker said: 'At the time we had 500 names on a petition objecting to the scheme. I'm very pleased we won the day here.

'I'm not opposed to the Masonic Hall or to building houses, but opposed to this. I was concerned there would be more functions there, impacting more on the neighbours.'

Borough councillor John Wilson (Lab, Stanlow & Wolverham), who appeared at the appeal on behalf of the council, said: 'This is a good result for the people in the locality.

'If they were just rebuilding the hall, then no problem. But trying to put a mixture of the club and 14 houses, there is a lot to squeeze on to the site.

'Building the club next to the new housing would not be fair to all the people who would be disturbed by functions. And, as the club would have been moved back on the site, it would have been closer to the neighbours' gardens.'

A spokesman for the Masonic Hall said: 'At this stage, we don't wish to comment.'