Approving an extension to a barn conversion at Oughtershaw would “drive a coach and horses” through the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Local Plan its planning committee was told on March 13. But some argued that the emphasis should be on encouraging young farmers.

Oughtershaw farmer Nigel Pearson was, therefore, advised to reduce the size of the proposed extension.

The planning officer stated that the Authority’s Local Plan and Design Guide did not allow such a “significant extension” as it would represent 47 per cent of the original floor space of the roadside traditional barn.

North Yorkshire County councillor Robert Heseltine warned: “If we back this today it’s a coach and horses through a policy – a precedent that will come back to haunt us. The size of the extension is the main issue,” he added.

Mr Pearson told the meeting that the barn would be converted to create a home for his son. It could be used as a holiday let until his son needed it, he said.

He explained that it might take four years for the family to finance the conversion and added: ”The barn is on the small size and if you are a dual worker you need a place to take off your boots, shower and clean up.

“You also need space in the utility room for a large freezer and fridges for food and storage. In such an isolated place you can’t pop to the shops every day – you need ample supplies of food. An extension is needed so that we can accommodate this need.”

The planning officer, however, stated that Mr Pearson’s son might or might not become the local occupant in five years time and so the conversion had to be considered as a holiday let which did not require an extension.

Askrigg Parish councillor Allen Kirkbride pointed out that there were numerous barns in the dales which had extensions and Buckden Parish councillor Chris Clark, who lives at Oughtershaw, commented:

“What Oughtershaw needs is more vibrancy, more people and more families. Even though there is an extension I believe the barn will still maintain its agricultural integrity. I think we should go for it.”

Both North Yorkshire County councillor John Blackie and Richmondshire District councillor Yvonne Peacock reminded the committee of the need to encourage young people and families to live in the dales.

“If we can encourage this young man [Mr Pearson’s son] to finish his schooling, to go to agricultural college and come back to work this land we should. Let’s face it, if we didn’t have the farmers working this land it would be an eyesore and tourists wouldn’t want to come,” Cllr Peacock said.

And Cllr Blackie added: “We need to put our money where our mouth is. If young people express a desire to continue in that industry they should be afforded that opportunity without having to push those who preceded them out of their homes.”

He said that although in the policies regarding barn conversions “significant” was not defined he advised Mr Pearson to reduce the size of the proposed extension.

The majority agreed and a decision was deferred to give Mr Pearson time to amend the plans.