OUTLINE plans to build two new homes off Greenfoot Lane, Low Bentham have been allowed, after a government planning inspector over-ruled Craven District Council.

The council refused the application for two, detached homes on land behind Greenfoot in January, but an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was successful, and outline planning allowed.

In his decision notice, the inspector, David Cross, disagreed with the council and said that the site of the new homes, bounded on three sides by residential properties, was within the main built up area of Low Bentham, rather than adjoining it, as the council had said.

He said: “The site also contains an access to garages, a disused allotment and other man-made features which have the characteristics of being associated with the main built up area of the settlement rather than the countryside around it. On balance, I conclude that the appeal site is part of the main built up area.”

The inspector also dismissed concerns about access, pointing out there was no objection from the highways authority, and of overlooking of nearby residential properties.