PLANS to build a detached bungalow in the garden of a property in Cowling have been refused permission, despite the attempts of the ward councillor to get it approved.

Councillor Andy Brown, who represents Aire Valley, moved approval of the application at the Skipton and Ripon planning meeting of North Yorkshire Council.

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting in Skipton, Cllr Brown said he disagreed with the recommendation of officers to refuse the plans at Mill Cottage, on grounds of highways safety, impact on the conservation area, amenity and it being in a high risk flood area.

Cllr Brown said in his opinion, the proposed building was out of sight and far from have a negative impact on the conservation area, would actually tidy it up.

He was also unconvinced of its flood risk rating and said an alternative access could be used by residents of the new home to avoid the difficult junction onto Colne Road.

But, Skipton member Cllr Robert Heseltine said he could see no environmental benefit from the application and could see a lot of highways issues.

A vote to approve the application was lost and members went along with the officer's recommendation to refuse consent.