A NORTH Craven pub has been ordered to remove plastic windows installed without planning permission.

The Boar's Head at Long Preston was the subject of an appeal by Mr and Mrs K Attewell against a decision by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority not to allow the new windows or a replacement chimney stack.

The couple also appealed against a subsequent enforcement notice.

But the windows fell foul of planning inspector Anthony Wharton too, and he recently dismissed their appeal - but amended the notice so that the chimney stack could stay.

He reported: "Having seen the replacement windows from both near and distant viewpoints, I share the authority's concerns about the impact of the new components on this fine traditional building and, consequently, to the character and appearance of the area.

"The UPVC windows detract markedly from the appearance of the hotel. The frames, transoms, mitred sections and joints and the stark plastic appearance all result in alien and obtrusive additions to the traditional stone-surround window openings.

"The character and appearance of the hotel is neither preserved nor enhanced by the windows, and it follows, neither is the character or appearance of the conservation area.

"It is clear that the chimney is acceptable in principle," the report continued.

"Having seen the variety of chimney stacks and flues in the area, it is my opinion that this particular feature is not harmful to the character and appearance of the Long Preston conservation area."

Mr Wharton added that he had considered the support of customers and the parish council for the windows, the other commendable improvements to the building, fire officer requirements and the service and maintenance reasons for preferring plastic windows.

"However none of these matters carries sufficient weight to outweigh the reasons which have led to my conclusions," he said.

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