A MOORLAND family have been refused permission to build a home for their next generation.

The Simpson family, whose roots in Gillamoor go back more than two centuries, told the North York Moors National Park Authority's planning committee that building their own home was the only way to get affordable accommodation. They also wanted to refurbish an existing garage to create a garage and store on land next to Woodhead Field Lane and Queen Street.

The scheme had been approved unanimously by parish councillors, who told the planning committee: "It will enable a locally born and bred worker to remain in the village and close to his agricultural work, which involves long and irregular hours.

"Gillamoor is keen to remain a working village and keep a balanced population.

"The recent village appraisal showed that an imbalance was developing, with a high proportion of retired people."

However, planning officer James Chartfield said the scheme would result in sporadic residential development outside the village and would detract from the character of the area and set a damaging precedent.

He said that if there was a need for low-cost housing in Gillamoor, a scheme could possibly be drawn up with Ryedale District Council.