Scaled-down plans for a new car park at Skipton Castle look set to be turned down.

The planned 193-space car park, with four coach spaces, has the firm support of the head of Yorkshire tourism.

But councillors at Monday’s planning committee meeting of Craven District Council are being recommended to refuse permission.

The scheme, the second to be submitted, is necessary for the castle to realise its full potential, says castle administrator Sebastian Fattorini.

His claim has been backed by Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, who in a letter to the council says the castle is one of Yorkshire’s “finest attractions”, receiving more than 100,000 visitors every year.

“The absence of on-site parking facilities at Skipton Castle will prevent it from ever reaching its full potential, particularly in respect of attracting the groups market,” he wrote.

“Welcome to Yorkshire has the responsibility to market the region’s tourism industry for the sole purpose of economic well-being and depends on high-quality tourism products such as Skipton Castle to aid its success.”

In November last year, a larger car park of 230 spaces with the same entrance, off The Bailey, was refused permission by the council. Councillors, who objected to the loss of nine mature trees on the site, indicated a reduced plan may be acceptable.

Councillors at Monday’s meeting will be recommended to refuse the application on the grounds it would have a detrimental impact on the historical setting of listed buildings and the wider Skipton Conservation Area.

And it would result in increased noise and disturbance for people in a cottage adjoining the proposed site.