An attempt to adapt a pair of holiday cottages in Burton-in-Lonsdale into a single dwelling has been thrown out by Craven councillors.

Owner Anita Coates wanted to convert Sycamores and Beeches cottages in Barnoldswick Lane into one unrestricted home.

But Craven District Council’s planning committee refused to allow the change, saying an earlier approval of change of use to a live/work unit had never been taken up. Evidence was also put forward that the properties – currently for sale at £330,000 – were overpriced.

“In the council’s opinion, planning permission should not be given for the conversion as insufficient evidence has been supplied to demonstrate a business use is either unviable or unsuitable for the site,” said the report.

There have been other attempts to remove the holiday let condition, including a dismissed appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.