A DECISION to refuse plans to build a new house on land next to Upper Lingah Barn, Cononley Road, Glusburn, has been upheld by a Government planning inspector.

Steve Boland appealed to the planning inspectorate after his application was refused permission by the former Craven District Council in October last year.

A planning inspector has now dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the council.

In their decision notice, the inspector found the site was not suitable for housing and that the proposal would cause 'significant harm' to the surroundings.

The proposal was to build a house on an area of hardstanding currently used for parking and next to a small paddock, in a 'green wedge' - an open area around and between settlements.

"Whilst it is contended that the proposal would be a very minor incursion into the green wedge, the appeal site would extend some considerable distance forward of Upper Lingah Barn that overlooks the paddock," says the inspector.

The proposed building would be obtrusive because of its siting and 'extensive glazing'.

The inspector concludes: "This proposal would dilute the high-quality of the adjoining buildings and appear incongruous in this location, "Consequently, the proposal sited in the open countryside would not provide a suitable location for housing and would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area."