AN application to secure the principle of building five homes on the site of a former indoor riding school in Bank Newton, near Gargrave, has become one of the first to be refused following the adoption of the Craven Local Plan.

The scheme for land next to a single track lane popular with horse riders and walkers and close to Newton Grange Farm, was refused permission by Craven District Council planning officers acting under delegated powers.

Bank Newton Parish Council, nearby residents, including a farm, and owners of a nearby livery stable all objected to the scheme, which included garages and parking, while North Yorkshire Highways said it was unable to support it because of the amount of additional traffic likely to be generated by the proposed houses on a narrow road popular with horse riders and walkers.

The Canal and River Trust also raised concerns about access to the site by construction vehicles over its Grade two listed Changeline Bridge.

In refusing permission for the scheme, Craven planners said redevelopment of the site was contrary to six policies in the local plan, including housing mix and density, spatial strategy and housing growth, which considers the ability of settlements to accommodate growth.

It was also refused because of its ‘unacceptable visual impact on the rural character and appearance’ of the rural area and because of its impact on the nearby listed building Newton Grange Farmhouse.

Planners also commented on the lack of a bat survey and any traffic speed report to establish roads in the area could safely accommodate the additional traffic associated with the proposed development.

The Craven Local Plan was adopted at a full meeting of the council on November 12.