RESIDENTS of Green Lane, Glusburn, have won their battle to prevent further development on land next to their homes which they say would increase flooding.

An application to build three homes on the former paddock next to White Abbey had been amended to one house but the scheme was still rejected by Craven District Council's planning committee on Monday.

Christine Thompson, on behalf of the objectors, told members that her home had been flooded four times in as many years and that the lane resembled "Niagara Falls" in heavy rain.

"The water is coming from that site. What prevention can be put in place to stop the heavens opening and the water following its naturally course," she asked.

She added that the residents were concerned about harming the heritage of Glusburn - the area is the oldest part of the village and the cottages date back to the 18th century.

They also stated that the design would be incongruous and unsympathetic to the location.

Coun Philip Barrett backed the objectors, stating that if the development was approved, it would go against the authority's planning policies.

He questioned whether the land was vacant, derelict or underused, saying he believed it was "underused by choice".

The applicant's agent Jo Steele said that there was no planning grounds to oppose the application and that the design of the house took into account flooding in that area and included soakaways.

A previous application for two cottages had been rejected by the council but a planning inspector overturned the decision. Members felt they shouldn't be influenced by this.

Coun Chris Knowles-Fitton said: "To be flooded once is awful, to be flooded four times, it isn't to be contemplated."

Coun Marcia Turner added that she felt the house would be obtrusive on the top of a hill, that the steep drive could become unusable in winter and there was no justification for development.

"Quite frankly I don't think we should be intimidated by the fact the inspectors have said no to us once. I think we should go with our own feelings on this," she said.

The officers, who had recommended the plans for approval, reminded councillors that the site was not in a conservation area and that Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency had not objected to the plans.