A BID to pull down a barn in Nidderdale and replace it with a four-bedroomed detached home has been rejected.

The scheme at Stocks Green Barn, Green Lane, Darley, near Pateley Bridge, was refused permission by councillors at an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council.

An objector described it as a "very pretty little barn and part of the character of the village".

The application, by Mrs J Hollings, was also opposed by Menwith-with-Darley Parish Council.

Its members said it was a traditional Dales stone barn in a picturesque area of Main Street.

The parish council pointed out it was highlighted as one of Darley's historic features in the community's planning design statement.

Parish councillors felt it was important that the character of the barn was retained in any future development.

A report to the committee said previous planning applications for the site had involved conversion of the barn. But the latest was to demolish the barn and replace it with a new home.

Planning officers said the existing barn, while not listed, did contribute to the character of the area in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the adjoining open space.

"The barn provides a very rural backdrop to the open space and links the paddock to the agricultural landscape beyond the village," said a planning officer in a report to the committee.

Planning officer Andy Hough recommended refusal and said the loss of the barn would erode the character of the locality while the proposed house would be larger.