REFUSED plans to build four new homes off Main Street, Cononley, have been resubmitted following a change in planning policy.

A shift in the affordable housing requirement for residential developments has meant a re-submitted plan for the site behind the former Methodist Chapel has been re-submitted in an almost identical form.

The last application was refused permission by Craven District Council in October because it failed to provide any contribution to affordable housing.

Now, in the planning details to Craven District Council, Arrowsmith Associates, development consultants for the applicant, S Shelton, say the application is being resubmitted because of 'changes to planning policy nationally'.

Mr Shelton is also appealing to the Planning Inspectorate against the council's refusal decision.

"While our client still believes that no affordable housing provision should have been required in relation to the previous application, and is appealing on that basis, subsequent changes made to Government's National Planning Practice Guidance document mean that the issue is now irrelevant."