GOVERNMENT inspectors have approved a plan to demolish a farm and its buildings to make way for eight houses.
Hambleton District Council had previously refused plans by J Charlton and Sons for the development at Ainderbery House, just outside Ainderby Steeple.
The greater part of the site lies within the village conservation area and shares a common boundary with the Church of St Helen, a Grade I listed building.
The inspector said that in his opinion the encouragement for restructuring, modernising and diversifying the farm business, which was to be relocated anyway, carried weight.
If the appeal failed, the agricultural use might continue or a different kind be started.
Given that the site was situated within the village, this could have a detrimental impact on residents' living conditions.
The inspector's report said, on balance, the benefits would be outweighed by the disadvantages and concluded that the appeal should be allowed with certain conditions.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article