The decision could now delay any future park and ride scheme by several years.

North Yorkshire County Council submitted plans for the 400 space development at land opposite Cross Butts Farm, on the A171.

But while committee members did not object to the principle of a park and ride scheme, they were unhappy at the proposed site, which falls within the North York Moors National Park.

Instead they asked the county council if they could look at alternative sites, including land behind the Victoria Farm Garden Centre.

But Whitby councillors are furious with the decision as they have been fighting for a park and ride scheme for 10 years and believed they were on the verge of getting what they had always wanted.

County and borough councillor Jane Kenyon said at the meeting: "Whitby is a success story and success stories need to have their problems resolved.

"This is an on-going problem of huge significance which cannot be allowed to continue."

After the meeting, Whitby's deputy mayor Terry Jennison said he was extremely disappointed with the decision.

He said: "If the county council say it is an appropriate site, I have to go with them. I think the national park are wrong."
Coun Dorothy Clegg said it was 10 years ago when the town council asked the county council to come up with a park and ride scheme.
She said since then the goth weekends have grown, the Endeavour has come to Whitby, the town has attracted more and more visitors, but the traffic problems have still not been resolved.
Gordon Gresty, director of North Yorkshire County Council's business and environmental services, said: "We are disappointed, particularly on behalf of the people of Whitby. The county council will now review the position."

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