Councillors defer decision on unauthorised Dales building work

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 11:03 · Archive

Councillors have delayed a decision on unauthorised building work at a Yorkshire Dales property amid concerns about setting a dangerous precedent.

Councillors have delayed a decision on whether to approve unauthorised building work at Far End House near Austwick in the Yorkshire Dales, fearing it would signal that people can ignore planning rules and obtain permission afterwards. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's planning committee raised concerns about the precedent that could be set by granting retrospective permission for the extensive alterations.

The works include the substantial rebuilding and enlargement of a former agricultural outbuilding, the extension of a garden into farmland and the installation of ground-mounted solar panels. Planning officers had recommended approval, but councillors voted to defer a decision after questioning the history of the development and the consequences of allowing the work to remain.

Peter Goold, chair of Austwick Parish Council, urged members to reject the application, arguing that the changes went far beyond what had originally been permitted. He said a farmstead building had been demolished without permission and a new building stood in its place nearly twice the size, with many retained trees felled and walls removed or rebuilt. He challenged the description as a barn conversion, claiming the replacement building had a footprint 51 per cent larger than its predecessor, or 73 per cent when a new bathroom was included.

How it is being reported

• Fears of 'demolish first, ask later' message over unauthorised Dales developmentCouncillors have delayed a decision on whether to approve unauthorised building work at a Yorkshire Dales property amid fears it would send a message that people can ignore planning rules and obtain permission afterwards.The Northern Echo · 14 Oct, 10:45
• Fears of 'demolish first, ask later' message over unauthorised Dales developmentCouncillors have delayed a decision on whether to approve unauthorised building work at a Yorkshire Dales property amid fears it would send a message that people can ignore planning rules and obtain permission afterwards.Darlington & Stockton Times · 14 Oct, 10:45

In this story: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority · Austwick Parish Council · Peter Goold · Far End House · Austwick · Yorkshire Dales

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