PLANS to build four new homes just outside the built-up limits of Cowling have raised an objection from North Yorkshire's rights of way department.

The pair of semi-detached homes are proposed for land next to Freegate House, Ickornshaw, next to the Pennine Way.

North Yorkshire Council's Countryside Access Service has objected to the plan and commented in order for it to withdraw its objection, the applicant will have to provide information as to how the public footpath next to the site will be protected.

It states: "As we have commented previously, previous works on this site resulted in deep excavations alongside, and encroaching upon, the legally recorded width of the public footpath, which is also part of the Pennine Way National Trail."

The scheme has also raised an objection on heritage grounds with the council's heritage advisor on grounds that it would mean the loss of an openness of the site, its 'less than substantial harm' to the character and appearance of the Cowling Conservation Area, and the poor design of the development.

Cowling Parish Council has however said it does not support the application for four homes, but would support an application for two homes.

In its design and access statement to North Yorkshire Council, Lark Architects, for the applicant, says: "It has been demonstrated that issues concerning the impact upon Cowling Conservation Area, layout, scale, landscaping and access, have been satisfactorily addressed."