A TIMBER bin store outside a house in Skipton refused retrospectively by North Yorkshire Council has been allowed on appeal.

The single-storey shed at the front of 101 Burnside Crescent was refused permission by the council in September last year because it created a 'visually harmful appearance to the street scene' and was 'out of character with other surrounding properties'. The council also noted that it resulted in a 'slight loss of light' to a neighbouring property.

But, following an appeal by V Cruzinho to the Planning Inspectorate, the council's decision has been over-turned, and permission allowed.

In her appeal decision, planning inspector Chris Pipe, said while similar sheds were usually in back gardens, there were other visible structures in the street such as garages, outbuildings and a greenhouse.

Vehicles including caravans were also parked in the front gardens or yards of properties in the immediate area and storage of refuse 'is not uncommon' to the front of homes, she said.

The shed was below the level of the house and its neighbours and there was no loss of light or overshadowing.

Mrs Pipe said: "I conclude that the proposed development would not harm the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties."