AN application to demolish a former boarding kennels and construct a building for the storage of agricultural machinery has been rejected.

The application had been recommended for approval by planning officers but objectors complained it would affect their property and cause a danger at the junction with Dick Lane.

The application site is on land to the rear of Crag Side Farm Cottage and is reached along an access track off Dick Lane which is owned by the neighbouring property of Crag Side Farm.

The track passes the farm to reach the application site.

Objector David Adams, of Crag Side Farm said large plant accessing the property often overhung the wall, posing a danger to passers by.

He added that the building would affect light to his property and said the building would be over a culvert which would direct flood water into his property.

“It would make life really difficult,” he said.

The county council’s Highways Authority had also recommended the plans be refused on road safety grounds.

They noted: “The existing access by which vehicles associated with this proposal would leave and rejoin the county highway is unsatisfactory since the required visibility of 60 metres by two metres cannot be achieved. The intensification of use which would result from the proposed development is unacceptable in terms of highway safety.”

In a supporting letter, applicant Ben Airlie stated he was a self-employed agricultural and grounds contractor and frequently used a van for journeys.

He stated no vehicles larger than his tractor would be stored on side and vehicle movements do not always involve heavy plant as these are generally kept at the site where the work is taking place.

Speaking at Craven District Council’s planning committee meeting on Monday, Councillor Robert Heseltine said he was concerned that the building could be seen from local landmarks such as Cowling Pinnacle.

Councillor Carl Lis said he was concerned about potential accidents at the junction with Dick Lane.

The committee listed reasons for refusal as highway dangers, noise disturbance, loss of light to neighbouring property and visual amenity on the landscape.