A RESIDENTIAL housing scheme in Barnoldswick that was refused planning permission by Pendle Borough Council has been allowed on appeal.

The council was also ordered to pay the full costs of the applicant Ian Birtwistle after the government's Planning Inspectorate found it had acted unreasonably.

Outline plans for 10 houses on a field off Kelbrook Road, with access from Marina Way, had been recommended for approval by the council’s planning officers.

However, it was refused planning permission by the council’s planning committee earlier this year, despite members being advised by officers that were no safe grounds to do so and that costs could be awarded against the council as a result.

In reaching a decision on the appeal the planning inspector described the council's one reason for refusal - as 'vague and generalised'.

The council had argued that the development would result in the loss of a prominent greenfield site, which includes drumlin hills, between Barnoldswick and Salterforth - a site that currently made a significant contribution to the landscape character of the area.

But the inspector said while he accepted the reason as being clear, it had not been backed up with any evidence.

He said: "On the basis of the material before me, I consider that the council prevented development that should have clearly been permitted."

Ian Swain, principal planner at WBW Surveyors said: "The development proposal was in accordance with planning policies and should have been permitted. Indeed, the council’s planning officers recommended the application for approval, but disappointingly the recommendation was not accepted by the planning committee and an appeal was necessary to prove the case. However, we are delighted to have been able to secure the consent and to get an award that obliges the council to pay our client’s unnecessary costs."