A couple are calling for a change in the planning rules after a trailer crashed into their house.

At about noon yesterday, the trailer rolled into the home of Mark and Margaret Ingledew, in Dale Grove, Leyburn, smashing windows and damaging brickwork.

Workmen near the couple's home were attaching the trailer to a vehicle, when they lost control and it rolled down the hill and into the house.

After the accident, Mr Ingledew, 44, contacted Richmondshire District Council to ask if he could build a fence around his garden to protect his house.

But he was told the measure was unlikely to get planning permission.

He said: "The house is at the bottom of a hill and I am worried that in icy weather this could happen again.

"There is not even a kerb on the side of the road to stop anything from sliding across the garden.

"I would like the council to allow bollards to be built, or to give us assurances that a planning application for a fence would be allowed."

Planning officer Peter Featherstone said: "The estate was designed as open plan so there are no barriers surrounding any of the properties.

"The council's local plan says any estate that has been designed that way should be kept open.

"Thus far, the council has stuck by that policy and not allowed individual householders to put up fences."

Mr Featherstone said the couple could grow a hedge or build a rockery without planning permission.