REFUSED plans to build around 20 homes at Ling Haw Hill and Brow Top, Cononley Road, Cross Hills, have been overturned following an appeal.

Outline planning permission was refused by Craven District Council just more than a year ago, against officer advice and in the face of strong resident opposition.

But following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, a government appointed inspector has allowed the appeal by Mr and Mrs B H Green, giving the go- ahead for the development.

In her decision notice, inspector, Elaine Gray, said the main issues were whether the site was a sustainable location for the homes and their effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

She dismissed the council's argument that it would be difficult for residents of the new properties to reach Glusburn Primary School by saying it was an around 12 minute walk.

She accepted the land provided a green buffer to the village, but that it was not particularly attractive or 'important in terms of its contribution to the setting of Glusburn'.

The council, she said, had offered little analysis to demonstrate what features of the site it considered to be attractive.

"In my view, it is a fairly unremarkable piece of land which, while undoubtedly agricultural in character, does not add any significant value to the visual amenity of the surrounding area. I accept that the development would be readily visible from Cononley Road as one travels south towards the settlement, and from longer viewpoints to the north-east; however, visibility does not automatically equate to harm."

As to concerns raised by nearby residents of the impact on road safety, she said the highways authority had found the development acceptable.

She added other concerns, such as character and appearance, and privacy of neighbours, would be determined in the following 'reserved matters' application, which will be submitted to the council.

Councillors when refusing the application in December last year, said the development would not be sustainable and would damage the rural outlook at a prominent entrance to Glusburn.