Craven councillors “dared to be different” and approved a contemporary extension to a house in Bell Busk.

The single-storey extension to the traditional back-to- back terraced cottage was of a modern design that did not slavishly copy its surroundings, the planning committee was told.

Even though the cottage was within the conservation area, the council’s conservation officer believed the modern approach was well done and acceptable.

Applicant Alan Garland said he was keen that the extension enhanced its surroundings and had chosen an award-winning architect with a history of similar projects.

But even though the extension, which featured large areas of glass and a sedum roof, was virtually invisible to anyone other than the owner of the house, some councillors thought it was too modern.

Coun Alan Sutcliffe (Cons) said the plan was hardly any different from an earlier scheme refused permission by the council.

“It is a contemporary design and must have a lot to commend it, but not in this particular location,” he said.

Coniston Cold and Bell Busk Parish Council had also objected to the extension on the grounds it was out of character with the historic village.

But committee chairman Coun Richard Welch (Cons) pointed out that the original scheme had been refused because of an area of timber cladding, that had now been removed.

“My feeling is this can’t be seen from the road, it’s not to my taste, but it is someone else’s, I don’t see any harm in it and what’s wrong in daring to be different from time to time?”

Approval was given on the chairman’s casting vote after councillors voted 4-4.