Expansion plans put forward by Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire have been rejected following a public inquiry.

Proposals which included the provision of 136 new lodges and 204 caravans, as well as building a reception complex as part of a new holiday village went to an inquiry in September after being initially refused planning permission by Harrogate Borough Council. Lightwater Valley first submitted an application to the council in 1997 for the development which it said was necessary to ensure that the park remained competitive and able to meet customer demands.

But the park, which boasts one of Europe's longest rollercoasters, will now have to reconsider its plans in the wake of the verdict despite support from industry operators, as well as a 10,000-signature petition. Director and general manager of the park, Mark Bainbridge, said: "We worked tirelessly at putting these plans together, taking everyone's concerns and comments into consideration. We needed this decision to go in our favour."