AN application to build a house at a horticultural nursery has been rejected.

Brian Corner, owner of the Orchard House Nursery at Wormald Green, near Ripon, sought permission from Harrogate Borough Council to build a house for his daughter, Sara Benson, and her family.

Lack of affordable housing near the nursery had forced the application, planning officers were told.

But members of an area plannning committee voted unanimously against the scheme, backing planning officer Mike Warden, who had recommended refusal.

Mr Warden said a new property away from other homes in the village would bring "sporadic ribbon development" along the A61 Ripon-Harrogate road, harming the landscape and character of the area. He said the scheme also conflicted with planning policies.

The nursery has been run by Mr Corner since 1987.

Mrs Benson and her family have looked for alternative housing but said there were no affordable properties nearby.

The nursery supplies the horticultural industry, designers and landscapers.