A FARMER argued his proposed house was “not something off Grand Designs” but a “traditional and simple-looking” home.

Applicant Mark Brennand who was seeking permission to rebuild a derelict property called Marywood Moss House, Nutstile House Farm, Langber Lane, Ingleton, told members of Craven District Council’s planning committee that he was willing to enter into a 106 local occupancy agreement.

He said he wanted to rebuild the former house and “make it look like it had been standing there for 100 years”.

The application was refused following a recorded vote .

The planning officer’s report which recommended refusal of the application stated: “The site is located in open countryside.

“The nearest property is Greenlands Farm which is 140 metres away. The applicant concedes that the building is derelict and the proposal is in fact a new build, however he seeks the new build dwelling to have the appearance of a stone barn.”

The reasons stated for refusal were, “in the absence of information to the contrary, the proposal is a new build dwelling in an isolated location in the open countryside for which no justification has been put forward”.

Current policy states isolated dwellings in the open countryside should be avoided unless either for a rural worker, a viable use of a heritage asset, re-use of redundant or disused buildings, sub-division of existing residential dwelling or a design of exceptional quality.

Councillor Carl Lis said refusing the conversion and rebuilding of such buildings would lead to a decline in young people living in the Dales.

He said that as the building stands it is as “eyesore in open countryside”.

“Is that acceptable and yet a new house, sympathetically built is not acceptable?” he asked.

“We have an opportunity to provide a house for a young couple. We should provide some hope for young people.”

Planning manager Neville Watson said: “I can’t argue that it is a conversion but it would cause a precedence.”

Councillor Heseltine said he was opposed to the plans.

“The building is entirely derelict. It is just a pile of stones and completely and utterly against planning policy and at odds with our own Local Development Plan.”

Councillor Stephen Place seconded refusal. He said: “Clearly it is a new build and clearly it is in open countryside. It is vital that we adhere to policy.”

Councillor Chris Rose said she was concerned the plans were not looking at the humans aspect. “There is a human side to all of this. Is there not some way we can take this on board? Can we sometimes put policy to one side and be more subjective? “ she asked.

Councillor Linda Brockbank added: “The irony I find is that this is not really a new build because there is already a building there.

“I agree with Councillor Lis that we need to attract families.”

Planning committee chairman Councillor Alan Sutcliffe responded: “The fact remains it is contrary to policy. I sympathise with the case but it would put in jeopardy approval of the Local Plan.”