AN "unsightly and possibly dangerous" garage site in the conservation area of Sutton is to be transformed into a two storey house.

Plans to develop land off North Road behind the Black Bull pub were passed by Craven District Council's planning committee.

Seven garages had previously been on the site, which have since been demolished.

Five letters supporting the application had been submitted to the council, stating that the plot of land was "unsightly and possibly dangerous" to children.

Charles Dominguez, the owner of Prospect House, adjacent to the area, wrote: "In the 16 years I have lived on this road, the land and its entrance has been a distinctly unpleasant area.

"The lack of care to the grass verges and the opportunity for secretion of a person in the area has been a constant worry for anyone with young daughters, or even sons, who use the road.

"The construction of a dwelling, sympathetically built to comply with a conservation area, can only enhance one of the more picturesque areas of the village and make it a safer area."

But opposition had been raised in papers submitted to members that the land would be better used to provide parking in the village.

An objector wrote: "Every bit of land within the area is being squeezed for property development thus quickly eroding village life as it is known. Vehicles already park within this area and more problems are going to be caused if these had to be moved away.

"Many properties within Sutton do not have parking facilities. I feel this site would be better used if it were returned to garaging or parking space."

Mr Dominguez's letter criticised "local" councillors for not supporting an earlier application for developing this site. But at the latest meeting ward councillors for Sutton Steve Place and Ken Hart supported the plans.

Coun Place said that the new set of plans addressed the potential loss of amenities for neighbouring homes, which had been his concern with the earlier plans. He had moved approval of the plans and Coun Hart had seconded the motion.

Coun Place added that only one objector attended the meeting, and she withdrew her opposition on examining the new plans.

The proposed dwelling is to be faced externally in natural stone with a pitched roof in natural stone slates. The roofpitch is not symmetrical and the dwelling would have the appearance of a single storey unit when viewed from the rear. The proposed roof profile would have the appearance of a traditional agricultural building.