PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Cornish and wife, Jenny Earle, have launched a planning appeal against Hambleton Council, after it refused to let them install dormer windows in their Great Ayton home.

The couple live at Topcliffe House, Low Green. The building is set back on a farm driveway and the couple have been there for nearly nine years. Ms Earle is a teacher and grew up in Carlton and Stokesley, where Mr Cornish has an office and gallery. He is well-known for his landscape photographs of the region - and he also took many of the photographs in a best-selling book about Great Ayton. It included a portrait of the parish council, which is opposing the window plans.

Although the couple declined to comment to the D&S Times and emphasised they did not want to upset anyone, they are appealing to the Planning Inspectorate in the hope of overturning Hambleton Council's decision.

The authority said the proposed windows were contrary to planning policies to preserve the character of historic villages. The windows were not traditional in that part of Great Ayton and it was unhappy with their number, size, design and prominence.

Additionally, it said the designs would not respect the character of the original house.

The couple are working with Great Ayton builder Chris Scarfe, who is converting the village's redundant Rosehill Theatre into homes. He recently criticised Hambleton Council when it opposed aspects of his conversion. Redcar-based architect agent G R Henderson is also involved.

This week, Hambleton Council released a summary of its position and an architect's statement outlining the couple's appeal.

The second statement disputed claims that the planned windows were ugly and obtrusive. It read: "The proposals will enhance the building and working-use will preserve it. In Great Ayton, many homes are being sought as holiday homes, and continual use and improvement will help to preserve an otherwise dwindling community. The building would also become a very stylish building to enhance the area.

"The house is set back and has mature landscaping. It now has a modern feel to it and could carry these additions. There have been no objections from neighbours."

Great Ayton Parish Council had objected, but it added: "From experience, this council objects to every proposal submitted."