PLANS for a detached garage and outbuilding on land in open countryside has been refused because the suggested oak cladding would be too prominent.

Members of Craven District Council’s planning committee were told an application for the detached garage and detached outbuilding at Laithe Barn, Halton East, was adjacent to a barn conversion which was not yet complete.

The site was in open countryside and would involve a small increase in the previously approved residential curtilage, committee members were told

The application had been recommended for approval, but had been opposed by Embsay with Eastby Parish Council which objected to the use of the cladding saying it was incompatible with traditional buildings in open countryside.

Councillor Brian Shuttleworth said while he had no objection to the plans in principle and that the barn was a first class renovation, but he was against the use of oak cladding.

“I have not come across this form of finish anywhere within reasonable walking distance of Embsay and Eastby. They will be prominent,” he said.

“It would visually ‘jar’ against the existing barn and does not comply with ENV3,” he added.

Councillor Chris Rose agreed adding stone instead of wood would be preferable.

Members voted to refuse the plans, suggesting a more traditional material be used.