CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a modern eco-house dubbed as a “custody suite” lookalike in a conservation area have been rejected by a planning committee.

Residents living close to the site of the proposed property in Quarry Hills Lane, Leyburn, said the property was out of character for the surroundings and would dominate the area around it.

This week Richmondshire District Council planning committee voted unanimously to reject the application by Ruth Barnett and Halliday Clark Architects on the grounds that the mono-pitch roof is too large, the north elevation of the property is unsightly and it would not be acceptable in the conservation area.

The design of the property included solar panels, a green roof, lime rendered walls and aluminium-framed windows.

Architect Adam Clark said the design of the property was a result of many years’ hard work and positive dialogue between the applicant and the planners.

He said: “The design has been painstakingly refined over several months to create a dwelling rooted in its immediate context.

“The acceptability of the design appears to come down to the acceptability of a modern dwelling in the conservation area.”

The authority stressed it is not against modern dwellings but believes the proposed design would look out of place.

Quarry Hills Lane has its own conservation area status and the proposed building would have been neighbour to a former Victorian workhouse built in 1877.

Councillor Mick Griffiths said: “The north side of the building looks like the custody suite in Thirsk – it is a huge wall with several small windows.”