A PLAN to build a split level family home on a ‘grass verge’ within a housing estate in Ingleton has been rejected by councillors.

Craven District Council’s planning committee had been recommended by officers to approve the application for the single three-bed home on a patch of undeveloped land next to 1 Manor Close, Lower Demesne.

The agent for applicant, Dr Ansari, told the meeting on Monday that his client was passionate about sustainability and that the house’s green credentials would include solar panels, electric car charging and water harvesting.

An ‘impractical’ right of way through the site would be re-directed and a number of small trees would be replaced, the committee was told.

But, committee chairman Councillor Carl Lis said although it did not appear to be recorded, his recollection was that when permission for the estate was given, the site of the proposed house would be kept as open space.

The meeting heard there had also been two previous appeals to build on the site, which the meeting heard had been privately owned for some time; both of which had been rejected by the planning inspectorate.

Cllr Lis said: “I like the design, but it’s totally the wrong place.”

And Cllr David Ireton said everyone welcomed sustainable development, but not on this particular site.

He said: “It’s a grass verge in my opinion. If we allowed development on this grass verge, where are we going to stop.”

Cllr Ireton added the development would impact on the character of Low Demesne, which ought to be protected.

Cllr Robert Heseltine added it was very incongruous and would ‘stick out like a sore thumb’.

Cllr Alan Sutcliffe said:” This land should remain green space, that was its original intention when the estate was first approved.”

And Cllr Chris Rose agreed, saying: “It is an interesting design but totally in the wrong place.”

The committee voted to go against officer recommendation and refuse permission for the application on grounds that the development would impact on the open character of the area.